Earth plasmasphere

The Earth's plasmasphere studies are reviewed. The review is based on experimental data obtained with the help of satellites of the ''Prognoz'' series. The profiles of the ion concentration and the temperature Tsub(i) in the plasmasphere are given. It is shown that measurements testify in favour of the asymmetry of the plasmapause in the direction noon - midnight under magnetically calm conditions on the average smaller than at the direction morning-evening. The asymmetry diminishes with the increase of the geomagnetic excitation. The existence of the cold (Tsub(i) <= 1800 K) and sufficiently stable internal zone of the plasmasphere and the hot external zone is testified. The value, form and distribution of Tsub(i) in this zone significantly change during magnetic storms and substorms. During lasting magnetically calm periods the plasma within geomagnetic tubes of force of the external zone is in the diffusive equilibrium which becomes violated during excitations. The value of Tsub(i) at the plasmapause amounts to 105 K