The spatial sizes of electric and magnetic field gradients in a simulated shock

The relative scale sizes of the magnetic field gradient and the cross-shock potential have a significant impact upon the dynamics of electrons within the shock front. In particular, strong electric field gradients affect their trajectories and heating rates. The spatial sizes of the region in which the magnetic field ramp and the associated change in the electrostatic potential observed at a quasiperpendicular, supercritical shock are compared using numerical data from a 2D full particle simulation of a planar shock. The spatial scales over which these gradients are observed are shown to be of the same order of magnitude. These results are then interpreted in terms of the dynamics of electrons observed at the shock front. (C) 1999 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.