Аннотация:Different models are frequently used for the description of large-scale magnetospheric dynamics without analysis of the scope of their applicability. The traditional approaches based on the ideal MHD approximation, which is violated only in narrow local regions, encounter fundamental difficulties in the regions with large turbulent fluctuations and laminar slow bulk flow. Therefore, before the selection of the proper scheme for the description of definite magnetospheric region, it is necessary to know properties of its turbulence, plasma parameter and the relation of the Alfvén velocity to bulk flow velocity. We obtain and analyze the distribution of the ratio of the Alfven velocity to the plasma flow velocity averaged under magnetically quiet conditions at geocentric distances up to 20 RE using THEMIS mission data. It is shown, that this ratio is much higher than unity inside the magnetosphere. The applicability of magnetohydrodynamic models for describing equilibrium and nonequilibrium processes is considered. We argue that the use of models based on the approximation of magnetostatic equilibrium has a number of advantages in the formation of the structure of the magnetospheric magnetic field. A number of problems connected with the comparatively stable local magnetic field decrease and increase are discussed.