D. N. Baker, J. D. Craven, R. C. Elphic, D. H. Fairfield, L. A. Frank, H. Singer, J. A. Slavin, I. G. Richardson, C. J. Owen, R. D. Zwickl

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

A small, isolated substorm with an expansion phase onset at 0739 UT on 28 January 1983 was well observed by ground-based instrumentation as well as by low- and high-altitude spacecraft. Because of the comprehensive nature of the data coverage, including ISEE-3 identification of plasmoid signatures in the deep tail (~ 220 R_E) associated with the substorm, we are able to provide a detailed timeline of the growth, expansion, and recovery phases of the substorm. The magnetospheric energy input rates are evaluated using IMP-8 in the upstream solar wind. DE-1 imaging sequences are used to examine auroral features during the growth and expansion phases. Substorm current wedge and expansion onset information is provided by ground-based magnetometer and geostationary orbit (particle and magnetic field) data. The plasma, energetic particle, and field signatures at ISEE-3 are considered within the framework of the near-earth data. Quantitative estimates of substorm energy input and output relationships are made for this case and the timing and physical dimensions of the deep tail disturbance implied are evaluated by the global observations available.

Adv. Space Res., 8, (9)113-(9)118, Sep. 1988