Direct Evidence of Interchange Instabilities at Dipolarization Fronts
Y. Yu, Z. Wang, H. S. Fu, Jinbin Cao
Abstract
Abstract Using the high‐resolution measurements from magnetospheric multiscale mission, here we present the observational evidence of kinetic interchange instabilities (ICIs) at dipolarization fronts (DFs). Specifically, we present the observation of two DFs caused by ICI, and discover the sub‐ion scale magnetic depression caused by kinetic‐scale ICI at the second DF. By using multi‐spacecraft observation, the typical process inside the magnetic hole (MH)—by electron trapping process—is clearly shown in the magnetic depression, evidencing that the depression is a sub‐ion MH generated at DF by kinetic ICI. Based on observations and Minimum Variance Analysis (MVA) analysis, we present a two‐dimensional image of the ICI in the nonlinear stage. This observational study demonstrates the kinetic ICI at DFs, confirming the existence of MH generated by ICI at DF, and improves the understanding of dynamics at DFs.