Magnitude of B(sub Z) in the neutral sheet of the magnetotail
Statistical estimates of the average value of B(sub Z) in the magnetotail neutral sheet between 10 and 22 R(sub E) in X, and -10 to 10 R(sub E) in Y (GSM coordinates) are given for different phases of geomagnetic activity. With few exceptions the average value of B(sub Z) is found to be between 5 and 8 nT, but generally near 7 nT, irrespective of the type or phase of activity. This is considerably higher than is predicted in current magnetic field models of the magnetotail. The magnetic field within 2 R(sub E) of the neutral sheet is examined to determine whether B(sub Z) remains approximately constant. We do not find this to be true, B(sub Z) decreasing significantly over this distance from Delta-Z = 0. The structure of the cross-tail current and variations in current density with substorm phase appear to be more complicated than is commonly accepted.