Abstract

We present AUREOL-3 satellite observations of multiple inverted-V structures and a statistical analysis of their formation. Their number, one to four inverted-V structures, is compared to the predictions of a hot plasma stratification theory based on assumption that plasma in the central plasma sheet is in magnetostatic equilibrium, and that plasma sheet ion motion is unmagnetized. According to this theory, only upward field-aligned current bands can split into inverted-V structures. Their number is determined by a parameter ? that depends on current density, current latitudinal width, hot magnetospheric ion temperature, and height-integrated Pedersen conductivity. In the majority of the cases the theory predicts rather well the number of observed structures. © 1999 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.