Magnetosheath strong turbulence effect on formation of the low-latitude boundary layer

High level of magnetic field fluctuations is the magnetosheath characteristic feature. Effect of magnetic field fluctuations in the magnetosheath on the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) formation has been investigated using the March 2, 1996 event as an example. We present results of analysis of plasma and magnetic field characteristics in the LLBL and magnetosheath according to Interball/Tail probe and Geotail data, respectively. Solar wind parameters have also been analyzed according to WIND data. Solar wind state was relatively stable during the event analyzed. At the same time, magnetic field fluctuated with the amplitude of ~20 nT in the magnetosheath. Magnetic-field fluctuation amplitude in the magnetosheath for the magnetosphere-boundary crossing considered has been shown to exceed the magnetic field value under the magnetopause near the cusp. Magnetic field fluctuations in the magnetosheath can possibly influence the magnetopause formation. We also discuss possibility of local pressure-balance breaking across the magnetopause, and the magnetosheath plasma penetration into the magnetosphere as a result of magnetic field fluctuations in the magnetosheath.