# Biblio

Found 377 results
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2016
Authors: Sarris Theodore E., and Li Xinlin
Title: Calculating ultra-low-frequency wave power of the compressional magnetic field vs. L and time: multi-spacecraft analysis using the Van Allen probes, THEMIS and GOES
Abstract: Ultra-low-frequency (ULF) pulsations are critical in radial diffusion processes of energetic particles, and the power spectral density (PSD) of these fluctuations is an integral part of the radial diffusion coefficients and of assimilative models of the radiation belts. Using simultaneous measurements from two Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) geosynchronous satellites, three satellites of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft constellation and the two Van Allen probes during a 10-day period of intense geomagnetic activity and ULF pulsations of October 2012, we calculate the PSDs of ULF pulsations at different L shells. By following the time history of measurements at different L it is shown that, during this tim. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Annales Geophysicae Pages: 565 - 571 DOI: 10.5194/angeo-34-565-2016 Available at: http://www.ann-geophys.net/34/565/2016/
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Authors: Martinez-Calderon Claudia, Shiokawa Kazuo, Miyoshi Yoshizumi, Keika Kunihiro, Ozaki Mitsunori, et al.
Title: ELF/VLF wave propagation at subauroral latitudes: Conjugate observation between the ground and Van Allen Probes A
Abstract: We report simultaneous observation of ELF/VLF emissions, showing similar spectral and frequency features, between a VLF receiver at Athabasca (ATH), Canada, (L = 4.3) and Van Allen Probes A (Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) A). Using a statistical database from 1 November 2012 to 31 October 2013, we compared a total of 347 emissions observed on the ground with observations made by RBSP in the magnetosphere. On 25 February 2013, from 12:46 to 13:39 UT in the dawn sector (04–06 magnetic local time (MLT)), we observed a quasiperiodic (QP) emission centered at 4 kHz, and an accompanying short pulse lasting less than a second at 4.8 kHz in the dawn sector (04–06 MLT). RBSP A wave data showed both emissions as right-hand polarized with their Poynting vector earthward to the Northern Hemisp. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 5384 - 5393 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.v121.610.1002/2015JA022264 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022264
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Authors: Mann I. R., Ozeke L. G., Murphy K. R., Claudepierre S G, Turner D. L., et al.
Title: Explaining the dynamics of the ultra-relativistic third Van Allen radiation belt
Abstract: Since the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts over 50 years ago, an explanation for their complete dynamics has remained elusive. Especially challenging is understanding the recently discovered ultra-relativistic third electron radiation belt. Current theory asserts that loss in the heart of the outer belt, essential to the formation of the third belt, must be controlled by high-frequency plasma wave–particle scattering into the atmosphere, via whistler mode chorus, plasmaspheric hiss, or electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. However, this has failed to accurately reproduce the third belt. Using a datadriven, time-dependent specification of ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves we show for the first time how the third radiation belt is established as a simple, elegant consequence o. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Nature Physics DOI: 10.1038/nphys3799 Available at: http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/nphys3799
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Authors: Mann Ian R., and Ozeke Louis G.
Title: How quickly, how deeply, and how strongly can dynamical outer boundary conditions impact Van Allen radiation belt morphology?
Abstract: Here we examine the speed, strength, and depth of the coupling between dynamical variations of ultrarelativistic electron flux at the outer boundary and that in the heart of the outer radiation belt. Using ULF wave radial diffusion as an exemplar, we show how changing boundary conditions can completely change belt morphology even under conditions of identical wave power. In the case of ULF wave radial diffusion, the temporal dynamics of a new source population or a sink of electron flux at the outer plasma sheet boundary can generate a completely opposite response which reaches deep into the belt under identical ULF wave conditions. Very significantly, here we show that such coupling can occur on timescales much faster than previously thought. We show that even on timescales ~1 h, change. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 5553 - 5558 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.v121.610.1002/2016JA022647 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022647
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Authors: Yu J., Li L.Y., Cao J. B., Reeves G D, Baker D N, et al.
Title: The influences of solar wind pressure and interplanetary magnetic field on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt electrons
Abstract: Using the Van Allen Probe in-situ measured magnetic field and electron data, we examine the solar wind dynamic pressure and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) effects on global magnetic field and outer radiation belt relativistic electrons (≥1.8 MeV). The dynamic pressure enhancements (>2nPa) cause the dayside magnetic field increase and the nightside magnetic field reduction, whereas the large southward IMFs (Bz-IMF < -2nT) mainly lead to the decrease of the nightside magnetic field. In the dayside increased magnetic field region (MLT ~ 06:00 - 18:00, and L > 4), the pitch angles of relativistic electrons are mainly pancake distributions with a flux peak around 90o (corresponding anisotropic index A > 0.1), and the higher-energy electrons have stronger pancake distrib. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069029 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069029
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Authors: Foster J. C., Erickson P. J., Baker D N, Jaynes A. N., Mishin E. V., et al.
Title: Observations of the impenetrable barrier, the plasmapause, and the VLF bubble during the 17 March 2015 storm
Abstract: Van Allen Probes observations during the 17 March 2015 major geomagnetic storm strongly suggest that VLF transmitter-induced waves play an important role in sculpting the earthward extent of outer zone MeV electrons. A magnetically confined bubble of very low frequency (VLF) wave emissions of terrestrial, human-produced origin surrounds the Earth. The outer limit of the VLF bubble closely matches the position of an apparent barrier to the inward extent of multi-MeV radiation belt electrons near 2.8 Earth radii. When the VLF transmitter signals extend beyond the eroded plasmapause, electron loss processes set up near the outer extent of the VLF bubble create an earthward limit to the region of local acceleration near L = 2.8 as MeV electrons are scattered into the atmospheric loss cone.
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 5537 - 5548 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.v121.610.1002/2016JA022509 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022509
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Authors: Li W, Ma Q, Thorne R M, Bortnik J, Zhang X.-J., et al.
Title: Radiation belt electron acceleration during the 17 March 2015 geomagnetic storm: Observations and simulations
Abstract: Various physical processes are known to cause acceleration, loss, and transport of energetic electrons in the Earth's radiation belts, but their quantitative roles in different time and space need further investigation. During the largest storm over the past decade (17 March 2015), relativistic electrons experienced fairly rapid acceleration up to ~7 MeV within 2 days after an initial substantial dropout, as observed by Van Allen Probes. In the present paper, we evaluate the relative roles of various physical processes during the recovery phase of this large storm using a 3-D diffusion simulation. By quantitatively comparing the observed and simulated electron evolution, we found that chorus plays a critical role in accelerating electrons up to several MeV near the developing peak loca. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 5520 - 5536 DOI: 10.1002/jgra.v121.610.1002/2016JA022400 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022400
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Authors: Yue Chao, Li Wen, Nishimura Yukitoshi, Zong Qiugang, Ma Qianli, et al.
Title: Rapid enhancement of low-energy (<100 eV) ion flux in response to interplanetary shocks based on two Van Allen Probes case studies: Implications for source regions and heating mechanisms
Abstract: Interactions between interplanetary (IP) shocks and the Earth's magnetosphere manifest many important space physics phenomena including low-energy ion flux enhancements and particle acceleration. In order to investigate the mechanisms driving shock-induced enhancement of low-energy ion flux, we have examined two IP shock events that occurred when the Van Allen Probes were located near the equator while ionospheric and ground observations were available around the spacecraft footprints. We have found that, associated with the shock arrival, electromagnetic fields intensified, and low-energy ion fluxes, including H+, He+, and O+, were enhanced dramatically in both the parallel and perpendicular directions. During the 2 October 2013 shock event, both parallel and perpendicular flux enhancemen. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022808 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022808
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Authors: Baker D N, Jaynes A. N., Turner D. L., Nakamura R, Schmid D., et al.
Title: A telescopic and microscopic examination of acceleration in the June 2015 geomagnetic storm: Magnetospheric Multiscale and Van Allen Probes study of substorm particle injection
Abstract: An active storm period in June 2015 showed that particle injection events seen sequentially by the four (Magnetospheric Multiscale) MMS spacecraft subsequently fed the enhancement of the outer radiation belt observed by Van Allen Probes mission sensors. Several episodes of significant southward interplanetary magnetic field along with a period of high solar wind speed (Vsw ≳ 500 km/s) on 22 June occurred following strong interplanetary shock wave impacts on the magnetosphere. Key events on 22 June 2015 show that the magnetosphere progressed through a sequence of energy-loading and stress-developing states until the entire system suddenly reconfigured at 19:32 UT. Energetic electrons, plasma, and magnetic fields measured by the four MMS spacecraft revealed clear dipolarization front. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 6051 - 6059 DOI: 10.1002/grl.v43.1210.1002/2016GL069643 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069643
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Authors: Ripoll J. F., Loridan V., Cunningham G. S., Reeves G D, and Shprits Y Y
Title: On the Time Needed to Reach an Equilibrium Structure of the Radiation Belts
Abstract: In this study, we complement the notion of equilibrium states of the radiation belts with a discussion on the dynamics and time needed to reach equilibrium. We solve for the equilibrium states obtained using 1D radial diffusion with recently developed hiss and chorus lifetimes at constant values of Kp = 1, 3 and 6. We find that the equilibrium states at moderately low Kp, when plotted vs L-shell (L) and energy (E), display the same interesting S-shape for the inner edge of the outer belt as recently observed by the Van Allen Probes. The S-shape is also produced as the radiation belts dynamically evolve toward the equilibrium state when initialized to simulate the buildup after a massive dropout or to simulate loss due to outward diffusion from a saturated state. Physically, this shape,. . .
Date: 06/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022207 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022207
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Authors: Zhelavskaya I. S., Spasojevic M., Shprits Y Y, and Kurth W S
Title: Automated determination of electron density from electric field measurements on the Van Allen Probes spacecraft
Abstract: We present the Neural-network-based Upper hybrid Resonance Determination (NURD) algorithm for automatic inference of the electron number density from plasma wave measurements made on board NASA's Van Allen Probes mission. A feedforward neural network is developed to determine the upper hybrid resonance frequency, fuhr, from electric field measurements, which is then used to calculate the electron number density. In previous missions, the plasma resonance bands were manually identified, and there have been few attempts to do robust, routine automated detections. We describe the design and implementation of the algorithm and perform an initial analysis of the resulting electron number density distribution obtained by applying NURD to 2.5 years of data collected with the Electric and Magnetic. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022132 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022132
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Authors: Kistler L.M., Mouikis C. G., Spence H.E., Menz A.M., Skoug R.M., et al.
Title: The Source of O + in the Storm-time Ring Current
Abstract: A stretched and compressed geomagnetic field occurred during the main phase of a geomagnetic storm on 1 June 2013. During the storm the Van Allen Probes spacecraft made measurements of the plasma sheet boundary layer, and observed large fluxes of O+ ions streaming up the field line from the nightside auroral region. Prior to the storm main phase there was an increase in the hot (>1 keV) and more isotropic O+ions in the plasma sheet. In the spacecraft inbound pass through the ring current region during the storm main phase, the H+ and O+ ions were significantly enhanced. We show that this enhanced inner magnetosphere ring current population is due to the inward adiabatic convection of the plasma sheet ion population. The energy range of the O+ ion plasma sheet that impacts the ring curren. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022204 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022204
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Authors: He Fengming, Cao Xing, Ni Binbin, Xiang Zheng, Zhou Chen, et al.
Title: Combined Scattering Loss of Radiation Belt Relativistic Electrons by Simultaneous Three-band EMIC Waves: A Case Study
Abstract: Multiband electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves can drive efficient scattering loss of radiation belt relativistic electrons. However, it is statistically uncommon to capture the three bands of EMIC waves concurrently. Utilizing data from the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science magnetometer onboard Van Allen Probe A, we report the simultaneous presence of three (H+, He+, and O+) emission bands in an EMIC wave event, which provides an opportunity to look into the combined scattering effect of all EMIC emissions and the relative roles of each band in diffusing radiation belt relativistic electrons under realistic circumstances. Our quantitative results, obtained by quasi-linear diffusion rate computations and 1-D pure pitch angle diffusion simulations, de. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022483 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022483
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Authors: Liu H., Zong Q.-G., Zhou X.-Z., Fu S. Y., Rankin R, et al.
Title: Compressional ULF wave modulation of energetic particles in the inner magnetosphere
Abstract: We present Van Allen Probes observations of modulations in the flux of very energetic electrons up to a few MeV and protons between 1200 − 1400 UT on February 19th, 2014. During this event the spacecraft were in the dayside magnetosphere at L⋆≈5.5. The modulations extended across a wide range of particle energies, from 79.80 keV to 2.85 MeV for electrons and from 82.85 keV to 636.18 keV for protons. The fluxes of π/2 pitch angle particles were observed to attain maximum values simultaneously with the ULF compressional magnetic field component reaching a minimum. We use peak-to-valley ratios to quantify the strength of the modulation effect, finding that the modulation is larger at higher energies than at lower energies. It is shown that the compressional wave modulation of the parti. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022706 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022706
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Authors: Saikin A. A., Zhang J. -C., Smith C W, Spence H E, Torbert R B, et al.
Title: The dependence on geomagnetic conditions and solar wind dynamic pressure of the spatial distributions of EMIC waves observed by the Van Allen Probes
Abstract: A statistical examination on the spatial distributions of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed by the Van Allen Probes against varying levels of geomagnetic activity (i.e., AE and SYM-H) and dynamic pressure has been performed. Measurements taken by the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science for the first full magnetic local time (MLT) precession of the Van Allen Probes (September 2012–June 2014) are used to identify over 700 EMIC wave events. Spatial distributions of EMIC waves are found to vary depending on the level of geomagnetic activity and solar wind dynamic pressure. EMIC wave events were observed under quiet (AE ≤ 100 nT, 325 wave events), moderate (100 nT < AE ≤ 300 nT, 218 wave events), and disturbed (AE > 3. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022523 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022523
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Authors: Hao Y. X., Zong Q.-G., Zhou X.-Z., Fu S. Y., Rankin R, et al.
Title: Electron dropout echoes induced by interplanetary shock: Van Allen Probes observations
Abstract: On 23 November 2012, a sudden dropout of the relativistic electron flux was observed after an interplanetary shock arrival. The dropout peaks at ∼1MeV and more than 80% of the electrons disappeared from the drift shell. Van Allen twin Probes observed a sharp electron flux dropout with clear energy dispersion signals. The repeating flux dropout and recovery signatures, or “dropout echoes”, constitute a new phenomenon referred to as a “drifting electron dropout” with a limited initial spatial range. The azimuthal range of the dropout is estimated to be on the duskside, from ∼1300 to 0100 LT. We conclude that the shock-induced electron dropout is not caused by the magnetopause shadowing. The dropout and consequent echoes suggest that the radial migration of relativistic electrons . . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069140 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069140h
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Authors: Blum L. W., Agapitov O., Bonnell J. W., Kletzing C., and Wygant J
Title: EMIC wave spatial and coherence scales as determined from multipoint Van Allen Probe measurements
Abstract: Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves can provide a strong source of energetic electron pitch angle scattering. These waves are often quite localized, thus their spatial extent can have a large effect on their overall scattering efficiency. Using measurements from the dual Van Allen Probes, we examine four EMIC wave events observed simultaneously on the two probes at varying spacecraft separations. Correlation of both the wave amplitude and phase observed at both spacecraft is examined to estimate the active region and coherence scales of the waves. We find well-correlated wave amplitude and amplitude modulation across distances spanning hundreds to thousands of kilometers. Phase coherence persisting 30–60 s is observable during close conjunction events but is lost as spacecraft s. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068799 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068799
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Authors: Zhou Qinghua, Xiao Fuliang, Yang Chang, Liu Si, He Yihua, et al.
Title: Evolution of chorus emissions into plasmaspheric hiss observed by Van Allen Probes
Abstract: The two classes of whistler mode waves (chorus and hiss) play different roles in the dynamics of radiation belt energetic electrons. Chorus can efficiently accelerate energetic electrons, and hiss is responsible for the loss of energetic electrons. Previous studies have proposed that chorus is the source of plasmaspheric hiss, but this still requires an observational confirmation because the previously observed chorus and hiss emissions were not in the same frequency range in the same time. Here we report simultaneous observations form Van Allen Probes that chorus and hiss emissions occurred in the same range ∼300–1500 Hz with the peak wave power density about 10−5 nT2/Hz during a weak storm on 3 July 2014. Chorus emissions propagate in a broad region outside the plasmapause. Meanwhi. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 4518 - 4529 DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022366 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022366
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Authors: Califf S., Li X, Wolf R. A., Zhao H., Jaynes A. N., et al.
Title: Large-amplitude electric fields in the inner magnetosphere: Van Allen Probes observations of subauroral polarization streams
Abstract: The subauroral polarization stream (SAPS) is an important magnetosphere-ionosphere (MI) coupling phenomenon that impacts a range of particle populations in the inner magnetosphere. SAPS studies often emphasize ionospheric signatures of fast westward flows, but the equatorial magnetosphere is also affected through strong radial electric fields in the dusk sector. This study focuses on a period of steady southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) during the 29 June 2013 geomagnetic storm where the Van Allen Probes observe a region of intense electric fields near the plasmapause over multiple consecutive outbound duskside passes. We show that the large-amplitude electric fields near the equatorial plane are consistent with SAPS by investigating the relationship between plasma sheet ion and. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022252 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022252
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Authors: Reiff P. H., Daou A. G., Sazykin S. Y., Nakamura R, Hairston M. R., et al.
Title: Multispacecraft Observations and Modeling of the June 22/23, 2015 Geomagnetic Storm
Abstract: The magnetic storm of June 22-23, 2015 was one of the largest in the current solar cycle. We present in situ observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) and the Van Allen Probes (VAP) in the magnetotail, field-aligned currents from AMPERE, and ionospheric flow data from DMSP. Our real-time space weather alert system sent out a “red alert”, correctly predicting Kp indices greater than 8. We show strong outflow of ionospheric Oxygen, dipolarizations in the MMS magnetometer data, and dropouts in the particle fluxes seen by the MMS FPI instrument suite. At ionospheric altitudes, the AMPERE data show highly variable currents exceeding 20 MA. We present numerical simulations with the BATS-R-US global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model linked with the Rice Convection Model (RCM. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069154 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069154
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Authors: Li W, Santolik O, Bortnik J, Thorne R M, Kletzing C A, et al.
Title: New Chorus Wave Properties Near the Equator from Van Allen Probes Wave Observations
Abstract: The chorus wave properties are evaluated using Van Allen Probes data in the Earth's equatorial magnetosphere. Two distinct modes of lower band chorus are identified: a quasi-parallel mode and a quasi-electrostatic mode, whose wave normal direction is close to the resonance cone. Statistical results indicate that the quasi-electrostatic (quasi-parallel) mode preferentially occurs during relatively quiet (disturbed) geomagnetic activity at lower (higher) L shells. Although the magnetic intensity of the quasi-electrostatic mode is considerably weaker than the quasi-parallel mode, their electric intensities are comparable. A newly identified feature of the quasi-electrostatic mode is that its frequency peaks at higher values compared to the quasi-parallel mode that exhibits a broad frequency s. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068780 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068780
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Authors: Burke W. J., Erickson P. J., Yang J., Foster J., Wygant J, et al.
Title: O + Ion Conic and Plasma Sheet Dynamics Observed by Van Allen Probe Satellites during the 1 June 2013 Magnetic Storm
Abstract: The Van Allen Probe satellites were near apogee in the late evening local time sector during the 1 June 2013 magnetic storm's main phase. About an hour after crossing the ring current's “nose structure” into the plasma sheet, the satellites encountered a quasi-periodic sequence of 0.08 - 3 keV O+ ions. Pitch angle distributions of this population consistently peaked nearly anti-parallel to the local magnetic field. We interpret this population as O+ conics originating in the northern ionosphere. Sequences began as fairly steady state conic fluxes with energies in the ~ 80 to 100 eV range. Over about a half hour build-up phase, O+ energies peaked near 1 keV. During subsequent release phases lasting ~ 20 minutes, O+ energies returned to low-energy starting points. We argu. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021795 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA021795
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Authors: Ni Binbin, Zou Zhengyang, Li Xinlin, Bortnik Jacob, Xie Lun, et al.
Title: Occurrence Characteristics of Outer Zone Relativistic Electron Butterfly Distribution: A Survey of Van Allen Probes REPT Measurements
Abstract: Using Van Allen Probes REPT pitch angle resolved electron flux data from September 2012 to March 2015, we investigate in detail the global occurrence pattern of equatorial (|λ| ≤ 3°) butterfly distribution of outer zone relativistic electrons and its potential correlation with the solar wind dynamic pressure. The statistical results demonstrate that these butterfly distributions occur with the highest occurrence rate ~ 80% at ~ 20 – 04 MLT and L > ~ 5.5 and with the second peak (> ~ 50 %) at ~ 11 – 15 MLT of lower L-shells ~ 4.0. They can also extend to L = 3.5 and to other MLT intervals but with the occurrence rates predominantly < ~25%. It is further shown that outer zone relativistic electron butterfly distributions are likely to peak between . . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069350 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069350
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Authors: Ripoll J. F., Reeves G., Cunningham G., Loridan V., Denton M., et al.
Title: Reproducing the observed energy-dependent structure of Earth's electron radiation belts during storm recovery with an event-specific diffusion model
Abstract: We present dynamic simulations of energy-dependent losses in the radiation belt " slot region" and the formation of the two-belt structure for the quiet days after the March 1st storm. The simulations combine radial diffusion with a realistic scattering model, based data-driven spatially and temporally-resolved whistler mode hiss wave observations from the Van Allen Probes satellites. The simulations reproduce Van Allen Probes observations for all energies and L-shells (2 to 6) including (a) the strong energy-dependence to the radiation belt dynamics (b) an energy-dependent outer boundary to the inner zone that extends to higher L-shells at lower energies and (c) an " S-shaped" energy-dependent inner boundary to the outer zone that results from the competition between diffusive radial tran. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068869 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068869
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Authors: Ma Q, Li W, Thorne R M, Nishimura Y., Zhang X.-J., et al.
Title: Simulation of energy-dependent electron diffusion processes in the Earth's outer radiation belt
Abstract: The radial and local diffusion processes induced by various plasma waves govern the highly energetic electron dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts, causing distinct characteristics in electron distributions at various energies. In this study, we present our simulation results of the energetic electron evolution during a geomagnetic storm using the University of California, Los Angeles 3-D diffusion code. Following the plasma sheet electron injections, the electrons at different energy bands detected by the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) and Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope (REPT) instruments on board the Van Allen Probes exhibit a rapid enhancement followed by a slow diffusive movement in differential energy fluxes, and the radial extent to which electrons can penetra. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022507 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022507
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Authors: Shi Run, Summers Danny, Ni Binbin, Manweiler Jerry W., Mitchell Donald G., et al.
Title: A statistical study of proton pitch angle distributions measured by the Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE)
Abstract: A statistical study of ring current-energy proton pitch angle distributions (PADs) in Earth's inner magnetosphere is reported here. The data are from the Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE) on board the Van Allen Probe B spacecraft from January 1, 2013 to April 15, 2015. By fitting the data to the functional form sinnα, where α is the proton pitch angle, we examine proton PADs at the energies 50, 100, 180, 328 and 488 keV in the L-shell range from L = 2.5 to L = 6. Three PAD types are classified: trapped (90° peaked), butterfly and isotropic. The proton PAD dependence on the particle energy, MLT, L-shell, and geomagnetic activity are analyzed in detail. The results show a strong dependence of the proton PADs on MLT. On the nightside, the n values o. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022140 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022140
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Authors: Gkioulidou Matina, Ukhorskiy A., Mitchell D G, and Lanzerotti L J
Title: Storm-time dynamics of ring current protons: Implications for the long-term energy budget in the inner magnetosphere
Abstract: Our investigation of the long-term ring current proton pressure evolution in Earth's inner magnetosphere based on Van Allen Probes data shows drastically different behavior of the low- and high- energy components of the ring current proton population with respect to theSYM-H index variation. We found that while the low-energy component of the protons (<80 keV) is strongly governed by convective timescales and is very well correlated with the absolute value of SYM-H index, the high-energy component (>100 keV) varies on much longer timescales and shows either no correlation or anticorrelation with the absolute value of SYM-H index. Our study also shows that the contributions of the low- and high- energy protons to the inner magnetosphere energy content are comparable. Thus, our results c. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068013 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068013
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Authors: Liu Y., Zong Q.-G., Zhou X.-Z., Foster J. C., and Rankin R
Title: Structure and Evolution of Electron "Zebra Stripes" in the Inner Radiation Belt
Abstract: Zebra stripes” are newly found energetic electron energy-spatial (L shell) distributed structure with an energy between tens to a few hundreds keV in the inner radiation belt. Using high-quality measurements of electron fluxes from Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE) on board the twin Van Allen Probes, we carry out case and statistical studies from April 2013 to April 2014 to study the structural and evolutionary characteristics of zebra stripes below L = 3. It is revealed that the zebra stripes can be transformed into evenly spaced patterns in the electron drift frequency coordinate: the detrended logarithmic fluxes in each L shell region can be well described by sinusoidal functions of drift frequency. The “wave number” of this sinusoidal function, whic. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022077 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022077
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Authors: Kessel Mona
Title: Things we don't yet understand about solar driving of the radiation belts.
Abstract: This commentary explores how close we are to predicting the behavior of the radiations belts - the primary science objective of NASA's Van Allen Probes mission. Starting with what we know or think we know about competing sources, enhancement, transport, and loss, I walk through recent papers that have improved our understanding and then focus on flux dropouts as one particular yardstick of success. I mention a new paradigm for electrons and the importance of reliably matching models and observations for different solar inputs. Although the case for prediction remains a work in progress, there are encouraging signs of progress.
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022472 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022472
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Authors: Hartley D. P., Kletzing C A, Kurth W S, Bounds S R, Averkamp T. F., et al.
Title: Using the cold plasma dispersion relation and whistler-mode waves to quantify the antenna sheath impedance of the Van Allen Probes EFW instrument
Abstract: Cold plasma theory and parallel wave propagation are often assumed when approximating the whistler mode magnetic field wave power from electric field observations. The current study is the first to include the wave normal angle from the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science package on board the Van Allen Probes in the conversion factor, thus allowing for the accuracy of these assumptions to be quantified. Results indicate that removing the assumption of parallel propagation does not significantly affect calculated plasmaspheric hiss wave powers. Hence, the assumption of parallel propagation is valid. For chorus waves, inclusion of the wave normal angle in the conversion factor leads to significant alterations in the distribution of wave power ratios (observed/. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022501 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022501
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Authors: Halford A J, McGregor S. L., Hudson M K, Millan R M, and Kress B T
Title: BARREL observations of a Solar Energetic Electron and Solar Energetic Proton event
Abstract: During the second Balloon Array for Radiation Belt Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL) campaign two solar energetic proton (SEP) events were observed. Although BARREL was designed to observe X-rays created during electron precipitation events, it is sensitive to X-rays from other sources. The gamma lines produced when energetic protons hit the upper atmosphere are used in this paper to study SEP events. During the second SEP event starting on 7 January 2014 and lasting ∼ 3 days, which also had a solar energetic electron (SEE) event occurring simultaneously, BARREL had 6 payloads afloat spanning all MLT sectors and L-values. Three payloads were in a tight array (∼ 2 hrs in MLT and ∼ 2 Δ L) inside the inner magnetosphere and at times conjugate in both L and MLT with the Van Allen Pr. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022462 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022462http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016JA022462
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Authors: Maldonado Armando A., Chen Lunjin, Claudepierre Seth G., Bortnik Jacob, Thorne Richard M, et al.
Title: Electron butterfly distribution modulation by magnetosonic waves
Abstract: The butterfly pitch angle distribution is observed as a dip in an otherwise normal distribution of electrons centered about αeq=90°. During storm times, the formation of the butterfly distribution on the nightside magnetosphere has been attributed to L shell splitting combined with magnetopause shadowing and strong positive radial flux gradients. It has been shown that this distribution can be caused by combined chorus and magnetosonic wave scattering where the two waves work together but at different local times. Presented in our study is an event on 21 August 2013, using Van Allen Probe measurements, where a butterfly distribution formation is modulated by local magnetosonic coherent magnetosonic waves intensity. Transition from normal to butterfly distributions coincides with rising m. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068161 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068161http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016GL068161http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/chorus/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016GL068161
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Authors: Li Jinxing, Ni Binbin, Ma Qianli, Xie Lun, Pu Zuyin, et al.
Title: Formation of Energetic Electron Butterfly Distributions by Magnetosonic Waves via Landau Resonance
Abstract: Radiation belt electrons can exhibit different types of pitch angle distributions in response to various magnetospheric processes. Butterfly distributions, characterized by flux minima at pitch angles around 90°, are broadly observed in both the outer and inner belts and the slot region. Butterfly distributions close to the outer magnetospheric boundary have been attributed to drift shell splitting and losses to the magnetopause. However, their occurrence in the inner belt and the slot region has hitherto not been resolved. By analyzing the particle and wave data collected by the Van Allen Probes during a geomagnetic storm, we combine test particle calculations and Fokker-Planck simulations to reveal that scattering by equatorial magnetosonic waves is a significant cause for the formation. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016GL067853 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL067853http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016GL067853
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Authors: Souza V. M., Vieira L. E. A., Medeiros C., Da Silva L. A., Alves L. R., et al.
Title: A neural network approach for identifying particle pitch angle distributions in Van Allen Probes data
Abstract: Analysis of particle pitch angle distributions (PADs) has been used as a means to comprehend a multitude of different physical mechanisms that lead to flux variations in the Van Allen belts and also to particle precipitation into the upper atmosphere. In this work we developed a neural network-based data clustering methodology that automatically identifies distinct PAD types in an unsupervised way using particle flux data. One can promptly identify and locate three well-known PAD types in both time and radial distance, namely, 90° peaked, butterfly, and flattop distributions. In order to illustrate the applicability of our methodology, we used relativistic electron flux data from the whole month of November 2014, acquired from the Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope instrument on board. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Space Weather Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015SW001349 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015SW001349http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2015SW001349
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Authors: Zhao H., Li X, Baker D N, Claudepierre S G, Fennell J. F., et al.
Title: Ring current electron dynamics during geomagnetic storms based on the Van Allen Probes measurements
Abstract: Based on comprehensive measurements from Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron Mass Spectrometer Ion Spectrometer, Relativistic Electron-Proton Telescope, and Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment instruments on the Van Allen Probes, comparative studies of ring current electrons and ions are performed and the role of energetic electrons in the ring current dynamics is investigated. The deep injections of tens to hundreds of keV electrons and tens of keV protons into the inner magnetosphere occur frequently; after the injections the electrons decay slowly in the inner belt but protons in the low L region decay very fast. Intriguing similarities between lower energy protons and higher-energy electrons are also found. The evolution of ring current electron and ion energy densi. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 3333 - 3346 DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022358 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022358
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Authors: Li Jinxing, Bortnik Jacob, Thorne Richard M, Li Wen, Ma Qianli, et al.
Title: Ultrarelativistic electron butterfly distributions created by parallel acceleration due to magnetosonic waves
Abstract: The Van Allen Probe observations during the recovery phase of a large storm that occurred on 17 March 2015 showed that the ultrarelativistic electrons at the inner boundary of the outer radiation belt (L* = 2.6–3.7) exhibited butterfly pitch angle distributions, while the inner belt and the slot region also showed evidence of sub-MeV electron butterfly distributions. Strong magnetosonic waves were observed in the same regions and at the same time periods as these butterfly distributions. Moreover, when these magnetosonic waves extended to higher altitudes (L* = 4.1), the butterfly distributions also extended to the same region. Combining test particle calculations and Fokker-Planck diffusion simulations, we successfully reproduced the formation of the ultrarelativistic electron b. . .
Date: 04/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 3212 - 3222 DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022370 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022370
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Authors: Zhou Xu-Zhi, Wang Zi-Han, Zong Qiu-Gang, Rankin Robert, Kivelson Margaret G., et al.
Title: Charged particle behavior in the growth and damping stages of ultralow frequency waves: theory and Van Allen Probes observations
Abstract: Ultralow frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves in Earth's magnetosphere can accelerate charged particles via a process called drift resonance. In the conventional drift-resonance theory, a default assumption is that the wave growth rate is time-independent, positive, and extremely small. However, this is not the case for ULF waves in the real magnetosphere. The ULF waves must have experienced an earlier growth stage when their energy was taken from external and/or internal sources, and as time proceeds the waves have to be damped with a negative growth rate. Therefore, a more generalized theory on particle behavior during different stages of ULF wave evolution is required. In this paper, we introduce a time-dependent imaginary wave frequency to accommodate the growth and damping of the wav. . .
Date: 03/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022447 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022447http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016JA022447
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Authors: Selesnick R. S., Baker D N, Jaynes A. N., Li X, Kanekal S G, et al.
Title: Inward diffusion and loss of radiation belt protons
Abstract: Radiation belt protons in the kinetic energy range 24 to 76 MeV are being measured by the Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope on each of the two Van Allen Probes. Data have been processed for the purpose of studying variability in the trapped proton intensity during October 2013 to August 2015. For the lower energies (≲32 MeV), equatorial proton intensity near L = 2 showed a steady increase that is consistent with inward diffusion of trapped solar protons, as shown by positive radial gradients in phase space density at fixed values of the first two adiabatic invariants. It is postulated that these protons were trapped with enhanced efficiency during the 7 March 2012 solar proton event. A model that includes radial diffusion, along with known trapped proton source and loss processes, s. . .
Date: 03/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022154 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/2015JA022154/full
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Authors: Zheng Hao, Holzworth Robert H., Brundell James B., Jacobson Abram R., Wygant John R., et al.
Title: A Statistical Study of Whistler Waves Observed by Van Allen Probes (RBSP) and Lightning Detected by WWLLN
Abstract: Lightning-generated whistler waves are electromagnetic plasma waves in the very low frequency (VLF) band, which play an important role in the dynamics of radiation belt particles. In this paper, we statistically analyze simultaneous waveform data from the Van Allen Probes (Radiation Belt Storm Probes, RBSP) and global lightning data from the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). Data were obtained between July to September 2013 and between March and April 2014. For each day during these periods, we predicted the most probable 10 min for which each of the two RBSP satellites would be magnetically conjugate to lightning producing regions. The prediction method uses integrated WWLLN stroke data for that day obtained during the three previous years. Using these predicted times for mag. . .
Date: 03/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022010 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015JA022010/full
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Authors: Gkioulidou Matina, Ukhorskiy A., Mitchell D G, and Lanzerotti L J
Title: Storm-time dynamics of ring current protons: Implications for the long-term energy budget in the inner magnetosphere
Abstract: Our investigation of the long-term ring current proton pressure evolution in Earth's inner magnetosphere based on Van Allen Probes data shows drastically different behavior of the low- and high- energy components of the ring current proton population with respect to the Sym-H index variation. We found that while the low-energy component of the protons (<80 keV) is strongly governed by convective timescales and is very well correlated with the absolute value of Sym-H index, the high-energy component (>100 keV) varies on much longer timescales and shows either no or anti-correlation with the absolute value of Sym-H index. Our study also shows that the contributions of the low- and high- energy protons to the inner magnetosphere energy content are comparable. Thus, our results conclusivel. . .
Date: 03/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068013 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068013http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016GL068013
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Authors: Morley Steven K., Sullivan John P., Henderson Michael G., Blake Bernard, and Baker Daniel N
Title: The Global Positioning System constellation as a space weather monitor: Comparison of electron measurements with Van Allen Probes data
Abstract: Energetic electron observations in Earth's radiation belts are typically sparse and multi-point studies often rely on serendipitous conjunctions. This paper establishes the scientific utility of the Combined X-ray Dosimeter (CXD), currently flown on 19 satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, by cross-calibrating energetic electron measurements against data from the Van Allen Probes. By breaking our cross-calibration into two parts – one that removes any spectral assumptions from the CXD flux calculation, and one that compares the energy spectra – we first validate the modeled instrument response functions, then the calculated electron fluxes. Unlike previous forward modeling of energetic electron spectra we use a combination of four distributions that, together. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Space Weather DOI: 10.1002/2015SW001339 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015SW001339
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Authors: Gao Zhonglei, Su Zhenpeng, Zhu Hui, Xiao Fuliang, Zheng Huinan, et al.
Title: Intense low-frequency chorus waves observed by Van Allen Probes: Fine structures and potential effect on radiation belt electrons
Abstract: Frequency distribution is a vital factor in determining the contribution of whistler-mode chorus to radiation belt electron dynamics. Chorus is usually considered to occur in the frequency range 0.1–0.8 inline image (with the equatorial electron gyrofrequency inline image). We here report an event of intense low-frequency chorus with nearly half of wave power distributed below 0.1 inline image observed by Van Allen Probe A on 27 August 2014. This emission propagated quasi-parallel to the magnetic field and exhibited hiss-like signatures most of the time. The low-frequency chorus can produce the rapid loss of low-energy (∼0.1 MeV) electrons, different from the normal chorus. For high-energy (≥0.5 MeV) electrons, the low-frequency chorus can yield comparable momentum diffusion to tha. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL067687 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL067687
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Authors: Orlova Ksenia, Shprits Yuri, and Spasojevic Maria
Title: New global loss model of energetic and relativistic electrons based on Van Allen Probes measurements
Abstract: Energetic electron observations in Earth's radiation belts are typically sparse and multi-point studies often rely on serendipitous conjunctions. This paper establishes the scientific utility of the Combined X-ray Dosimeter (CXD), currently flown on 19 satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, by cross-calibrating energetic electron measurements against data from the Van Allen Probes. By breaking our cross-calibration into two parts – one that removes any spectral assumptions from the CXD flux calculation, and one that compares the energy spectra – we first validate the modeled instrument response functions, then the calculated electron fluxes. Unlike previous forward modeling of energetic electron spectra we use a combination of four distributions that, together. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021878 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA021878
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Authors: Andreeva Varvara A., and Tsyganenko Nikolai A.
Title: Reconstructing the magnetosphere from data using radial basis functions
Abstract: A new method is proposed to derive from data magnetospheric magnetic field configurations without any a priori assumptions on the geometry of electric currents. The approach utilizes large sets of archived satellite data and uses an advanced technique to represent the field as a sum of toroidal and poloidal parts, whose generating potentials Ψ1 and Ψ2 are expanded into series of radial basis functions (RBF) with their nodes regularly distributed over the 3D modeling domain. The method was tested by reconstructing the inner and high-latitude field within geocentric distances up to 12RE on the basis of magnetometer data of Geotail, Polar, Cluster, THEMIS, and Van Allen space probes, taken during 1995–2015. Four characteristic states of the magnetosphere before and during a disturbance ha. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022242 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015JA022242/full
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Authors: Kurita Satoshi, Miyoshi Yoshizumi, Blake Bernard, Reeves Geoffery D., and Kletzing Craig A.
Title: Relativistic electron microbursts and variations in trapped MeV electron fluxes during the 8-9 October 2012 storm: SAMPEX and Van Allen Probes observations
Abstract: It has been suggested that whistler mode chorus is responsible for both acceleration of MeV electrons and relativistic electron microbursts through resonant wave-particle interactions. Relativistic electron microbursts have been considered as an important loss mechanism of radiation belt electrons. Here we report on the observations of relativistic electron microbursts and flux variations of trapped MeV electrons during the 8–9 October 2012 storm, using the SAMPEX and Van Allen Probes satellites. Observations by the satellites show that relativistic electron microbursts correlate well with the rapid enhancement of trapped MeV electron fluxes by chorus wave-particle interactions, indicating that acceleration by chorus is much more efficient than losses by microbursts during the storm. It . . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2016GL068260 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL068260http://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2F2016GL068260
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Authors: Sarno-Smith Lois K., Larsen Brian A., Skoug Ruth M., Liemohn Michael W., Breneman Aaron, et al.
Title: Spacecraft surface charging within geosynchronous orbit observed by the Van Allen Probes
Abstract: Using the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) and Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instruments from the Van Allen Probes, we explored the relationship between electron energy fluxes in the eV and keV ranges and spacecraft surface charging. We present statistical results on spacecraft charging within geosynchronous orbit by L and MLT. An algorithm to extract the H+ charging line in the HOPE instrument data was developed to better explore intense charging events. Also, this study explored how spacecraft potential relates to electron number density, electron pressure, electron temperature, thermal electron current, and low-energy ion density between 1 and 210 eV. It is demonstrated that it is imperative to use both EFW potential measurements and the HOPE instrument ion charging line for examin. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Space Weather Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015SW001345 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015SW001345/full
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Authors: Boardsen Scott A, Hospodarsky George B, Kletzing Craig, Engebretson Mark, Pfaff Robert F, et al.
Title: Survey of the Frequency Dependent Latitudinal Distribution of the Fast Magnetosonic Wave Mode from Van Allen Probes EMFISIS Wave Form Receiver Plasma Wave Analysis
Abstract: We present a statistical survey of the latitudinal structure of the fast magnetosonic wave mode detected by the Van Allen Probes spanning the time interval of 9/21/2012 to 8/1/2014. We show that statistically the latitudinal occurrence of the wave frequency (f) normalized by the local proton cyclotron frequency (fcP) has a distinct funnel shaped appearance in latitude about the magnetic equator similar to that found in case studies. By comparing the observed E/B ratios with the model E/B ratio, using the observed plasma density and background magnetic field magnitude as input to the model E/B ratio, we show that this mode is consistent with the extraordinary (whistler) mode at wave normal angles (θk) near 90°. Performing polarization analysis on synthetic waveforms composed from a superp. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021844 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015JA021844/full
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Authors: Osmane Adnane, III Lynn B. Wilson, Blum Lauren, and Pulkkinen Tuija I.
Title: On the Connection Between Microbursts and Nonlinear Electronic Structures in Planetary Radiation Belts
Abstract: Using a dynamical-system approach, we have investigated the efficiency of large-amplitude whistler waves for causing microburst precipitation in planetary radiation belts by modeling the microburst energy and particle fluxes produced as a result of nonlinear wave–particle interactions. We show that wave parameters, consistent with large-amplitude oblique whistlers, can commonly generate microbursts of electrons with hundreds of keV-energies as a result of Landau trapping. Relativistic microbursts (>1 MeV) can also be generated by a similar mechanism, but require waves with large propagation angles ${\theta }_{{kB}}\gt 50^\circ$ and phase-speeds ${v}_{{\rm{\Phi }}}\geqslant c/9$. Using our result for precipitating density and energy fluxes, we argue that holes in the distribution functio. . .
Date: 01/2016 Publisher: The Astrophysical Journal Pages: 51 DOI: 10.3847/0004-637X/816/2/51 Available at: http://stacks.iop.org/0004-637X/816/i=2/a=51?key=crossref.70d237eeae19ada88cf791dd9ba676be
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Authors: Pierrard V., and Rosson G.
Title: The effects of the big storm events in the first half of 2015 on the radiation belts observed by EPT/PROBA-V
Abstract: With the energetic particle telescope (EPT) performing with direct electron and proton discrimination on board the ESA satellite PROBA-V, we analyze the high-resolution measurements of the charged particle radiation environment at an altitude of 820 km for the year 2015. On 17 March 2015, a big geomagnetic storm event injected unusual fluxes up to low radial distances in the radiation belts. EPT electron measurements show a deep dropout at L > 4 starting during the main phase of the storm, associated to the penetration of high energy fluxes at L < 2 completely filling the slot region. After 10 days, the formation of a new slot around L = 2.8 for electrons of 500–600 keV separates the outer belt from the belt extending at other longitudes than the South Atlantic Anomaly. Two oth. . .
Date: 01/2016 Publisher: Annales Geophysicae Pages: 75 - 84 DOI: 10.5194/angeo-34-75-2016 Available at: http://www.ann-geophys.net/34/75/2016/
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Authors: Mozer F S, Artemyev A., Agapitov O. V., Mourenas D., and Vasko I.
Title: Near-Relativistic Electron Acceleration by Landau Trapping in Time Domain Structures
Abstract: Data from the Van Allen Probes have provided the first extensive evidence of nonlinear (as opposed to quasi-linear) wave-particle interactions in space with the associated rapid (less than a bounce period) electron acceleration to hundreds of keV by Landau resonance in the parallel electric field of time domain structures (TDSs) traveling at high speeds (~20,000 km/s). This observational evidence is supported by simulations and discussion of the source and spatial extent of the fast TDS. This result indicates the possibility that the electrostatic fields in TDS may generate the electron seed population for cyclotron resonance interaction with chorus waves to make higher-energy electrons.
Date: 01/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2015GL067316 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015GL067316
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