Plasmapause location under quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp ≤ 1): THEMIS observations

We statistically examined the plasmapause location (L_pp) under quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp ≤ 1) using the electron density inferred from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft potential for 2 year period (2008 and 2009). Five hundred forty-three L_pp samples were identified under steady quiet conditions with Kp values ≤ 1 during 12 h prior to the plasmapause crossing. From our large data set, we determined the medians and means of L_pp in L and magnetic local time (MLT). They are located near geosynchronous orbit and nearly circular. The L_pp medians show a slight bulge located in postdusk sector. Comparing with previous models, our median or mean L_pp is extended 1-2 L from the Earth than the model L_pp along the local time from 0800 to 2400 MLT. That is, L_pp locations in the previous models are underestimated during quiet geomagnetic conditions.