Classification of the tailward drifting magnetic structures in the distant tail

The magnetic field observed at the neutral sheet crossings in the distant tail at |x| = 200‐210 R_e can be classified into three types. At the sharp and isolated crossings (Type A), the B_z component is positive on average and the tailward extension of the LLBL seems to be the viable explanation, but the presence of large and IMF‐dependent B_y component suggests that the field lines are not closed but are connected to IMF at both ends. When the neutral sheet crossings occur multiple times, Type B or C is observed. Type B is characterized by the bipolar magnetic signature and represents a plasmoid or flux rope. Type C is characterized by magnetic oscillations with typical time scales of a few tens of seconds. These oscillations may represent the magnetic loops or spirals produced by the tearing. In all cases, the direction of the drift motion derived from the electric and magnetic field data is directed predominantly tailward.