Comment on “Solar wind dynamic pressure variations and transient magnetospheric signatures”

Several researchers have proposed theoretical current Also contrary to the tenor of the Reply, SBL did not systems for the high latitude ionosphere that might result present in their Letter any quantitative model by which from sporadic dayside reconnection [e.g., Lee, 1986; their own (largely unspecified) magnetopause process could Southwood, 1985]. The Hall current loops in these two be tested by measurements. Thus, SBL cOUld not exclude models, produced by localized charge transfer into (and out the possibility that a "pressure pulse", under appropriate of) the ionosphere, lead to definite predictions of magnetic circumstances, could enhance the dayside reconnection rate perturbations over a spatial area. In good scientific (the IMF had significant spatial variations, as shown in methodology, it is then possible to carry out measurements Fig. 1; and BZ was negative with a large negative By to look for such predicted perturbations. Lanzerotti et al. component during the Lanzerotti et al. [1987] event, facts [1986] note that the single current loop in the Lee [1986] known to-, but omitted by, SBL), or could enhance solar theory produces a unique, few minute duration, unipolar wind plasma penetration. Enhancements in solar wind variation in the vertical component magnetic field. This velocity could exceed the threshold for a surface wave feature can be attributed to a field-aligned current, instability. Fluctuations in the IMF, which often although, by Fukushima's theorem [Fukushima, 1969; accompany solar wind plasma changes, could enhance 1976] only an equivalent current system can actually be upstream wave transmission through the magnetopause deduced. Lanzerotti et al. [1986] point out the non-under some conditions (the "cone-angle" effect; see, e.g,.