substorm

A phenomenon in which a magnetotail becomes swollen and unstable.

Noun

  1. A phenomenon in which a magnetotail becomes swollen and unstable.
    • At times, however, energy builds up within the magnetic field until it suddenly breaks loose into what is called a substorm, releasing a burst of electrical current that turns the auroras into pulsing red, purple and...

Origin

From sub- + storm.

Forms

substorms

Derived

substorm current wedge