Time：Oct 22（Tue）3:30pm Where：N415 Physics Building Title：Formation and structure of the Low Latitude Boundary Layer during northward IMF
Abstract：In this talk, we discuss the structure and dynamics of the magnetospheric Low-Latitude Boundary Layer (LLBL) based on recent results from multi-satellite missions Cluster and Double Star. This boundary layer, adjacent to the magnetopause on the magnetospheric side, usually consists of a mixture of plasma of magnetospheric and magnetosheath origins, and plays an important role in the transfer of mass and energy from the solar wind into the magnetosphere and subsequent magnetospheric dynamics. During northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions, the LLBL is usually thick and has a complex structure and topology. Recent observations confirm that the LLBL observed at the dayside can be formed by single lobe reconnection, dual lobe reconnection, or by sequential dual lobe reconnection, as well as partially by localized cross-field diffusion. We will discuss the LLBL magnetic topology and plasma signatures inside the different sub-layers formed by these processes. The role of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the formation of the LLBL at the flank magnetopause will be also discussed. Overall, we conclude that the LLBL observed at the flanks can be formed by the combination of processes, (dual) lobe reconnection and plasma mixing due to non-linear Kelvin-Helmholtz waves.