Rapid Loss of Radiation Belt Relativistic Electrons by EMIC Waves

Incorporating spectral characteristics of Pc5 waves into three-dimensional radiation belt modeling and the diffusion of relativistic electrons

[1] The influence of ultralow frequency (ULF) waves in the Pc5 frequency range on radiation belt electrons in a compressed dipole magnetic field is examined. This is the first analysis in three dimensions utilizing model ULF wave electric and magnetic fields on the guiding center trajectories of relativistic electrons. A model is developed, describing magnetic and electric fields associated wit...

Atmospheric losses of radiation belt electrons

[1] A numerical model of the low-altitude energetic electron radiation belt, including the effects of pitch angle diffusion into the atmosphere and azimuthal drift, predicts lifetimes and longitude-dependent loss rates as a function of electron energy and diffusion coefficient. It is constrained by high-altitude ( 20,000 km) satellite measurements of the energy spectra and pitch angle distribut...

Relativistic Electrons and Coherent Radiation

Ultra-low-frequency wave-driven diffusion of radiation belt relativistic electrons

Van Allen radiation belts are typically two zones of energetic particles encircling the Earth separated by the slot region. How the outer radiation belt electrons are accelerated to relativistic energies remains an unanswered question. Recent studies have presented compelling evidence for the local acceleration by very-low-frequency (VLF) chorus waves. However, there has been a competing theory...

Effects of ULF wave power on relativistic radiation belt electrons: 8–9 October 2012 geomagnetic storm

Electromagnetic ultralow-frequency (ULF) waves are known to play a substantial role in radial transport, acceleration, and loss of relativistic particles trapped in the Earth’s outer radiation belt. Using in situ observations by multiple spacecraft operating in the vicinity of outer radiation belts, we analyze the temporal and spatial behavior of ULF waves throughout the geomagnetic storm of 8–...