# Biblio

Found 879 results
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/
More Details
Authors: Ma Q, Li W, Thorne R M, Bortnik J, Reeves G D, et al.
Title: Characteristic energy range of electron scattering due to plasmaspheric hiss
Abstract: We investigate the characteristic energy range of electron flux decay due to the interaction with plasmaspheric hiss in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. The Van Allen Probes have measured the energetic electron flux decay profiles in the Earth's outer radiation belt during a quiet period following the geomagnetic storm that occurred on 7 November 2015. The observed energy of significant electron decay increases with decreasing L shell and is well correlated with the energy band corresponding to the first adiabatic invariant μ = 4–200 MeV/G. The electron diffusion coefficients due to hiss scattering are calculated at L = 2–6, and the modeled energy band of effective pitch angle scattering is also well correlated with the constant μ lines and is consistent with the observed e. . .
Date: 11/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023311 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA023311/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Cohen Ross, Gerrard Andrew, Lanzerotti Louis, Soto-Chavez A. R., Kim Hyomin, et al.
Title: Climatology of high β plasma measurements in Earth's inner magnetosphere
Abstract: Since their launch in August 2012, the Radiation Belt Storm Probe Ion Composition Experiment (RBSPICE) instruments on the NASA Van Allen Probes spacecraft have been making continuous high resolution measurements of Earth's ring current plasma environment. After a full traversal through all magnetic local times, a climatology (i.e., a survey of observations) of high beta (β) plasma events (defined here as β>1) as measured by the RBSPICE instrument in the ∼45-keV to ∼600-keV proton energy range in the inner magnetosphere (L<5.8) has been constructed. In this paper we report this climatology of such high β plasma occurrences, durations, and their general characteristics. Specifically, we show that most high β events in the RBSPICE energy range are associated with post-dusk/pre-midnigh. . .
Date: 12/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022513 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA022513/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Engel M. A., Kress B T, Hudson M K, and Selesnick R. S.
Title: Comparison of Van Allen Probes radiation belt proton data with test particle simulation for the 17 March 2015 storm
Abstract: The loss of protons in the outer part of the inner radiation belt (L = 2 to 3) during the 17 March 2015 geomagnetic storm was investigated using test particle simulations that follow full Lorentz trajectories with both magnetic and electric fields calculated from an empirical model. The simulation results presented here are compared with proton pitch angle measurements from the Van Allen Probe satellites Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope (REPT) instrument before and after the coronal mass ejection-shock-driven storm of 17–18 March 2015, with minimum Dst =− 223 nT, the strongest storm of Solar Cycle 24, for four different energy ranges with 30, 38, 50, and 66 MeV mean energies. Two simulations have been run, one with an inductive electric field and one without. All four energy chan. . .
Date: 11/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023333 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA023333/full
More Details
Authors: Denton M. H., Reeves G. E., Thomsen M F, Henderson M G, Friedel R H W, et al.
Title: The complex nature of storm-time ion dynamics: Transport and local acceleration
Abstract: Data from the Van Allen Probes Helium, Oxygen, Proton, Electron (HOPE) spectrometers reveal hitherto unresolved spatial structure and dynamics in ion populations. Complex regions of O+ dominance, at energies from a few eV to >10 keV, are observed throughout the magnetosphere. Isolated regions on the dayside that are rich in energetic O+ might easily be interpreted as strong energization of ionospheric plasma. We demonstrate, however, that both the energy spectrum and the limited MLT extent of these features can be explained by energy-dependent drift of particles injected on the night side 24 hours earlier. Particle tracing simulations show that the energetic O+ can originate in the magnetotail, not in the ionosphere. Enhanced wave activity is co-located with the heavy-ion rich plasma a. . .
Date: 09/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL070878 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/2016GL070878/abstract
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: ěmec F., Hospodarsky G., Pickett J. S., ík O., Kurth W S, et al.
Title: Conjugate observations of quasiperiodic emissions by the Cluster, Van Allen Probes, and THEMIS spacecraft
Abstract: We present results of a detailed analysis of two electromagnetic wave events observed in the inner magnetosphere at frequencies of a few kilohertz, which exhibit a quasiperiodic (QP) time modulation of the wave intensity. The events were observed by the Cluster and Van Allen Probes spacecraft and in one event also by the THEMIS E spacecraft. The spacecraft were significantly separated in magnetic local time, demonstrating a huge azimuthal extent of the events. Geomagnetic conditions at the times of the observations were very quiet, and the events occurred inside the plasmasphere. The modulation period observed by the Van Allen Probes and THEMIS E spacecraft (duskside) was in both events about twice larger than the modulation period observed by the Cluster spacecraft (dawnside). Moreover, i. . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: 7647 - 7663 DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022774 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022774
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Selesnick R. S., Su Y.-J., and Blake J B
Title: Control of the innermost electron radiation belt by large-scale electric fields
Abstract: Electron measurements from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer instruments on Van Allen Probes, for kinetic energies ∼100 to 400 keV, show characteristic dynamical features of the innermost ( inline image) radiation belt: rapid injections, slow decay, and structured energy spectra. There are also periods of steady or slowly increasing intensity and of fast decay following injections. Local time asymmetry, with higher intensity near dawn, is interpreted as evidence for drift shell distortion by a convection electric field of magnitude ∼0.4 mV/m during geomagnetically quiet times. Fast fluctuations in the electric field, on the drift time scale, cause inward diffusion. Assuming that they are proportional to changes in Kp, the resulting diffusion coefficient is sufficient to replenish . . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022973 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022973
More Details
Authors: Fennell J. F., Blake J B, Claudepierre S., Mazur J, Kanekal S., et al.
Title: Current energetic particle sensors
Abstract: Several energetic particle sensors designed to make measurements in the current decade are described and their technology and capabilities discussed and demonstrated. Most of these instruments are already on orbit or approaching launch. These include the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometers (MagEIS) and the Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope (REPT) that are flying on the Van Allen Probes, the Fly's Eye Electron Proton Spectrometers (FEEPS) flying on the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, and Dosimeters flying on the AC6 Cubesat mission. We focus mostly on the electron measurement capability of these sensors while providing summary comments of their ion measurement capabilities if they have any.
Date: 09/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022588 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA022588/abstract
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: He Fei, Zhang Xiao-Xin, Chen Bo, and Fok Mei-Ching
Title: Determination of the Earth's plasmapause location from the CE-3 EUVC images
Abstract: The Moon-based Extreme Ultraviolet Camera (EUVC) aboard China's Chang'e-3 (CE-3) mission has successfully imaged the entire Earth's plasmasphere for the first time from the side views on lunar surface. An EUVC image on 21 April 2014 is used in this study to demonstrate the characteristics and configurations of the Moon-based EUV imaging and to illustrate the determination algorithm of the plasmapause locations on the magnetic equator. The plasmapause locations determined from all the available EUVC images with the Minimum L Algorithm are quantitatively compared with those extracted from in situ observations (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, and Radiation Belt Storm Probes). Excellent agreement between the determi. . .
Date: 01/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021863 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA021863
More Details
Authors: Liu Jiang, Angelopoulos V, Zhang Xiao-Jia, Turner D. L., Gabrielse C., et al.
Title: Dipolarizing flux bundles in the cis-geosynchronous magnetosphere: relationship between electric fields and energetic particle injections
Abstract: Dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) are small flux tubes (typically < 3 RE in XGSM and YGSM) in the nightside magnetosphere that have magnetic field more dipolar than the background. Although DFBs are known to accelerate particles, creating energetic particle injections outside geosynchronous orbit (trans-GEO), the nature of the acceleration mechanism and the importance of DFBs in generating injections inside geosynchronous orbit (cis-GEO) are unclear. Our statistical study of cis-GEO DFBs using data from the Van Allen Probes reveals that just like trans-GEO DFBs, cis-GEO DFBs occur most often in the pre-midnight sector, but their occurrence rate is ~1/3 that of trans-GEO DFBs. Half the cis-GEO DFBs are accompanied by an energetic particle injection and have an electric field three times stro. . .
Date: 01/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021691 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA021691
More Details
Authors: Zhang X.-J., Li W, Ma Q, Thorne R M, Angelopoulos V, et al.
Title: Direct evidence for EMIC wave scattering of relativistic electrons in space
Abstract: Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves have been proposed to cause efficient losses of highly relativistic (>1 MeV) electrons via gyroresonant interactions. Simultaneous observations of EMIC waves and equatorial electron pitch angle distributions, which can be used to directly quantify the EMIC wave scattering effect, are still very limited, however. In the present study, we evaluate the effect of EMIC waves on pitch angle scattering of ultrarelativistic (>1 MeV) electrons during the main phase of a geomagnetic storm, when intense EMIC wave activity was observed in situ (in the plasma plume region with high plasma density) on both Van Allen Probes. EMIC waves captured by Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) probes and on the ground across the. . .
Date: 07/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022521 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022521
More Details
Authors: Malaspina David M., Jaynes Allison N., é Cory, Bortnik Jacob, Thaller Scott A., et al.
Title: The distribution of plasmaspheric hiss wave power with respect to plasmapause location
Abstract: In this work, Van Allen Probes data are used to derive terrestrial plasmaspheric hiss wave power distributions organized by (1) distance away from the plasmapause and (2) plasmapause distance from Earth. This approach is in contrast to the traditional organization of hiss wave power by L parameter and geomagnetic activity. Plasmapause-sorting reveals previously unreported and highly repeatable features of the hiss wave power distribution, including a regular spatial distribution of hiss power with respect to the plasmapause, a standoff distance between peak hiss power and the plasmapause, and frequency-dependent spatial localization of hiss. Identification and quantification of these features can provide insight into hiss generation and propagation and will facilitate improved parameteriza. . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 7878 - 7886 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069982 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069982
More Details
Authors: Ferradas C. P., Zhang J.-C., Spence H E, Kistler L. M., Larsen B A, et al.
Title: Drift paths of ions composing multiple-nose spectral structures near the inner edge of the plasma sheet
Abstract: We present a case study of the H+, He+, and O+ multiple-nose structures observed by the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron instrument on board Van Allen Probe A over one complete orbit on 28 September 2013. Nose structures are observed near the inner edge of the plasma sheet and constitute the signatures of ion drift in the highly dynamic environment of the inner magnetosphere. We find that the multiple noses are intrinsically associated with variations in the solar wind. Backward ion drift path tracings show new details of the drift trajectories of these ions; i.e., multiple noses are formed by ions with a short drift time from the assumed source location to the inner region and whose trajectories (1) encircle the Earth different number of times or (2) encircle the Earth equal number of. . .
Date: 11/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters DOI: 10.1002/2016GL071359 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016GL071359/full
More Details
Authors: Chaston C. C., Bonnell J. W., Reeves G D, and Skoug R M
Title: Driving ionospheric outflows and magnetospheric O + energy density with Alfvén waves
Abstract: We show how dispersive Alfvén waves observed in the inner magnetosphere during geomagnetic storms can extract O+ ions from the topside ionosphere and accelerate these ions to energies exceeding 50 keV in the equatorial plane. This occurs through wave trapping, a variant of “shock” surfing, and stochastic ion acceleration. These processes in combination with the mirror force drive field-aligned beams of outflowing ionospheric ions into the equatorial plane that evolve to provide energetic O+ distributions trapped near the equator. These waves also accelerate preexisting/injected ion populations on the same field lines. We show that the action of dispersive Alfvén waves over several minutes may drive order of magnitude increases in O+ ion pressure to make substantial contributions to. . .
Date: 05/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 4825 - 4833 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069008 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069008
More Details
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/
More Details
Authors: Ali Ashar F., Malaspina David M., Elkington Scot R, Jaynes Allison N., Chan Anthony A, et al.
Title: Electric and Magnetic Radial Diffusion Coefficients Using the Van Allen Probes Data
Abstract: ULF waves are a common occurrence in the inner magnetosphere and they contribute to particle motion, significantly, at times. We used the magnetic and the electric field data from the EMFISIS and the EFW instruments on board the Van Allen Probes to estimate the ULF wave power in the compressional component of the magnetic field and the azimuthal component of the electric field, respectively. Using L∗, Kp, and MLT as parameters, we conclude that the noon sector contains higher ULF Pc-5 wave power compared with the other MLT sectors. The dawn, dusk, and midnight sectors have no statistically significant difference between them. The drift-averaged power spectral densities are used to derive the magnetic and the electric component of the radial diffusion coefficient. Both components exhibit . . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023002 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA023002
More Details
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
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Vasko I. Y., Agapitov O. V., Mozer F S, Artemyev A. V., Drake J. F., et al.
Title: Electron holes in the outer radiation belt: Characteristics and their role in electron energization
Abstract: Van Allen Probes have detected electron holes (EHs) around injection fronts in the outer radiation belt. Presumably generated near equator, EHs propagate to higher latitudes potentially resulting in energization of electrons trapped within EHs. This process has been recently shown to provide electrons with energies up to several tens of keV and requires EH propagation up to rather high latitudes. We have analyzed more than 100 EHs observed around a particular injection to determine their kinetic structure and potential energy sources supporting the energization of trapped electrons. EHs propagate with velocities from 1000 to 20,000 km/s (a few times larger than the thermal velocity of the coldest background electron population). The parallel scale of observed EHs is from 0.3 to 3 km that i. . .
Date: 12/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023083 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA023083/full
More Details
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
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Zhang Jichun, Halford Alexa J., Saikin Anthony A., Huang Chia-Lin, Spence Harlan E., et al.
Title: EMIC waves and associated relativistic electron precipitation on 25-26 January 2013
Abstract: Using measurements from the Van Allen Probes and the Balloon Array for RBSP Relativistic Electron Losses (BARREL), we perform a case study of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and associated relativistic electron precipitation (REP) observed on 25–26 January 2013. Among all the EMIC wave and REP events from the two missions, the pair of the events is the closest both in space and time. The Van Allen Probe-B detected significant EMIC waves at L = 2.1–3.9 and magnetic local time (MLT) = 21.0–23.4 for 53.5 min from 2353:00 UT, 25 January 2013. Meanwhile, BARREL-1T observed clear precipitation of relativistic electrons at L = 4.2–4.3 and MLT = 20.7–20.8 for 10.0 min from 2358 UT, 25 January 2013. Local plasma and field conditions for the excitation of the. . .
Date: 10/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022918 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA022918/full
More Details
Authors: Turner D. L., Fennell J. F., Blake J B, Clemmons J. H., Mauk B H, et al.
Title: Energy limits of electron acceleration in the plasma sheet during substorms: A case study with the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission
Abstract: We present multipoint observations of earthward moving dipolarization fronts and energetic particle injections from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission with a focus on electron acceleration. From a case study during a substorm on 02 August 2015, we find that electrons are only accelerated over a finite energy range, from a lower energy threshold at ~7–9 keV up to an upper energy cutoff in the hundreds of keV range. At energies lower than the threshold energy, electron fluxes decrease, potentially due to precipitation by strong parallel electrostatic wavefields or initial sources in the lobes. Electrons at energies higher than the threshold are accelerated cumulatively by a series of impulsive magnetic dipolarization events. This case demonstrates how the upper energy cutoff increa. . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 7785 - 7794 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069691 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL069691
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Chelpanov Maksim A., Mager Pavel N., Klimushkin Dmitri Yu., Berngardt Oleg I., and Mager Olga V.
Title: Experimental evidence of drift compressional waves in the magnetosphere: an Ekaterinburg coherent decameter radar case study
Abstract: A case study of shortwave radar observations of magnetospheric Pc5 ULF waves (wave periods of 150–600 s) that occurred on 26 December 2014 in the nightside magnetosphere during substorm activity is presented. The radar study of waves in the magnetosphere is based on analysis of scattering from field-aligned irregularities of the ionospheric F layer. Variations of their inline image drift velocity at F layer heights are associated with the wave electric field. Analysis of the observations from the Ekaterinburg (EKB) radar shows that the frequency f of the observed wave depends on the azimuthal wave number m (positive correlation of about 0.90): an increase in frequency from 2.5 to 5 mHz corresponds to increased m number from 20 to 80. Of the known types of waves in the magnetosphere corre. . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Pages: n/a - n/a DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022155 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015JA022155/full
More Details
Authors: Xiao Fuliang, Zhou Qinghua, Su Zhenpeng, He Zhaoguo, Yang Chang, et al.
Title: Explaining occurrences of auroral kilometric radiation in Van Allen radiation belts
Abstract: Auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) is a strong terrestrial radio emission and dominates at higher latitudes because of reflection in vicinities of the source cavity and plasmapause. Recently, Van Allen Probes have observed occurrences of AKR emission in the equatorial region of Earth's radiation belts but its origin still remains an open question. Equatorial AKR can produce efficient acceleration of radiation belt electrons and is a risk to space weather. Here we report high-resolution observations during two small storm periods 4–6 April and 18–20 May 2013 and show, using a 3-D ray tracing simulation, that AKR can propagate downward all the way into the equatorial plane in the radiation belts under appropriate conditions. The simulated results can successfully explain the observed AKR. . .
Date: 12/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 11,971 - 11,978 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL071728 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016GL071728/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Ozaki M., Shiokawa K., Miyoshi Y, Kataoka R., Yagitani S., et al.
Title: Fast modulations of pulsating proton aurora related to subpacket structures of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations at subauroral latitudes
Abstract: To understand the role of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in determining the temporal features of pulsating proton aurora (PPA) via wave-particle interactions at subauroral latitudes, high-time-resolution (1/8 s) images of proton-induced N2+ emissions were recorded using a new electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera, along with related Pc1 pulsations on the ground. The observed Pc1 pulsations consisted of successive rising-tone elements with a spacing for each element of 100 s and subpacket structures, which manifest as amplitude modulations with a period of a few tens of seconds. In accordance with the temporal features of the Pc1 pulsations, the auroral intensity showed a similar repetition period of 100 s and an unpredicted fast modulation of a few tens of sec. . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 7859 - 7866 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL070008 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016GL070008
More Details
Authors: Chen Yue, Reeves Geoffrey D, Cunningham Gregory S., Redmon Robert J., and Henderson Michael G.
Title: Forecasting and remote sensing outer belt relativistic electrons from low Earth orbit
Abstract: This study demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of using observations from low Earth orbit (LEO) to forecast and nowcast relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt. We first report a high cross-energy, cross-pitch-angle coherence discovered between the trapped MeV electrons and precipitating approximately hundreds (~100s) of keV electrons—observed by satellites with very different altitudes—with correlation coefficients as high as ≳ 0.85. Based upon the coherence, we then tested the feasibility of applying linear prediction filters to LEO data to predict the arrival of new MeV electrons during geomagnetic storms, as well as their evolving distributions afterward. Reliability of these predictive filters is quantified by the performance efficiency with values as high . . .
Date: 02/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 1031 - 1038 DOI: 10.1002/2015GL067481 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015GL067481/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Su Yi-Jiun, Selesnick Richard S., and Blake J B
Title: Formation of the inner electron radiation belt by enhanced large-scale electric fields
Abstract: A two-dimensional bounce-averaged test particle code was developed to examine trapped electron trajectories during geomagnetic storms with the assumption of conservation of the first and second adiabatic invariants. The March 2013 storm was selected as an example because the geomagnetic activity Kp index sharply increased from 2 + to 7− at 6:00 UT on 17 March. Electron measurements with energies between 37 and 460 keV from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) instrument onboard Van Allen Probes (VAP) are used as initial conditions prior to the storm onset and served to validate test particle simulations during the storm. Simulation results help to interpret the observed electron injection as nondiffusive radial transport over a short distance in the inner belt and slot. . .
Date: 08/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022881 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022881
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Li Zhao, Hudson Mary, Paral Jan, Wiltberger Michael, and Turner Drew
Title: Global ULF wave analysis of radial diffusion coefficients using a global MHD model for the 17 March 2015 storm
Abstract: The 17–18 March 2015 storm is the largest geomagnetic storm in the Van Allen Probes era to date. The Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global MHD model has been run for this event using ARTEMIS data as solar wind input. The ULF wave power spectral density of the azimuthal electric field and compressional magnetic field is analyzed in the 0.5–8.3 mHz range. The lowest three azimuthal modes account for 70% of the total power during quiet times. However, during high activity, they are not exclusively dominant. The calculation of the radial diffusion coefficient is presented. We conclude that the electric field radial diffusion coefficient is dominant over the magnetic field coefficient by one to two orders of magnitude. This result contrasts with the dominant magnetic field diffusion coefficient used i. . .
Date: 07/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022508 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022508
More Details
Authors: Sarno-Smith Lois K., Liemohn Michael W., Skoug Ruth M., Santolík Ondrej, Morley Steven K., et al.
Title: Hiss or Equatorial Noise? Ambiguities in Analyzing Suprathermal Ion Plasma Wave Resonance
Abstract: Previous studies have shown that low energy ion heating occurs in the magnetosphere due to strong equatorial noise emission. Observations from the Van Allen Probes Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) instrument recently determined there was a depletion in the 1-10 eV ion population in the post-midnight sector of Earth during quiet times at L < 3. The diurnal variation of equatorially mirroring 1-10 eV H+ ions between 2 < L < 3 is connected with similar diurnal variation in the electric field component of plasma waves ranging between 150 and 600 Hz. Measurements from the Van Allen Probes Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) data set are used to analyze waves of this frequency in near-Earth space. However, when we examine the polarization of the wave. . .
Date: 09/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022975 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA022975/abstract
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Yuan Zhigang, Yu Xiongdong, Wang Dedong, Huang Shiyong, Li Haimeng, et al.
Title: In situ evidence of the modification of the parallel propagation of EMIC waves by heated He + ions
Abstract: With observations of the Van Allen Probe B, we report in situ evidence of the modification of the parallel propagating electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves by heated He+ ions. In the outer boundary of the plasmasphere, accompanied with the He+ ion heating, the frequency bands of H+ and He+ for EMIC waves merged into each other, leading to the disappearance of a usual stop band between the gyrofrequency of He+ ions (ΩHe+) and the H+ cutoff frequency (ωH+co) in the cold plasma. Moreover, the dispersion relation for EMIC waves theoretically calculated with the observed plasma parameters also demonstrates that EMIC waves can indeed parallel propagate across ΩHe+. Therefore, the paper provides an in situ evidence of the modification of the parallel propagation of EMIC waves by heated H. . .
Date: 07/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022573 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA022573
More Details
Authors: Paulson K. W., Smith C W, Lessard M. R., Torbert R B, Kletzing C A, et al.
Title: In situ statistical observations of Pc1 pearl pulsations and unstructured EMIC waves by the Van Allen Probes
Abstract: We present here the first in situ statistical survey of structured Pc1 pearl pulsations compared with unstructured electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed by the Van Allen Probes spacecraft. This data set was compiled from observations spanning 8 September 2012 through 31 August 2015 and comprises over 1630 h of total EMIC wave activity, of which 291 h exhibited pearl structure. Additionally, we have identified 29 wave events demonstrating periodically oscillating wave packets, mostly about the magnetic equator, indicated by the reversal of Poynting flux along the background magnetic field. We have found several stark differences between Pc1 pearl pulsations and unstructured EMIC waves. While unstructured EMIC waves demonstrate the predicted behavior of a higher occurrence acro. . .
Date: 12/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023160 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA023160/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: O'Brien T P, Claudepierre S G, Guild T B, Fennell J. F., Turner D. L., et al.
Title: Inner zone and slot electron radial diffusion revisited
Abstract: Using recent data from NASA's Van Allen Probes, we estimate the quiet time radial diffusion coefficients for electrons in the inner radiation belt (L < 3) with energies from ~50 to 750 keV. The observations are consistent with dynamics dominated by pitch angle scattering and radial diffusion. We use a coordinate system in which these two modes of diffusion are separable. Then we integrate phase space density over pitch angle to obtain a “bundle content” that is invariant to pitch angle scattering, except for atmospheric loss. We estimate the effective radial diffusion coefficient from the temporal and radial variation of the bundle content. We show that our diffusion coefficients agree well with previously determined values obtained in the 1960s and 1970s and follow the form one . . .
Date: 07/2016 Publisher: Geophysical Research Letters Pages: 7301 - 7310 DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069749 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016GL069749/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Turner D. L., O'Brien T P, Fennell J. F., Claudepierre S G, Blake J B, et al.
Title: Investigating the source of near-relativistic and relativistic electrons in Earth's inner radiation belt
Abstract: Using observations from NASA's Van Allen Probes, we study the role of sudden particle enhancements at low L-shells (SPELLS) as a source of inner radiation belt electrons. SPELLS events are characterized by electron intensity enhancements of approximately an order of magnitude or more in less than one day at L < 3. During quiet and average geomagnetic conditions, the phase space density radial distributions for fixed first and second adiabatic invariants are peaked at 2 < L < 3 for electrons ranging in energy from ~50 keV to ~1 MeV, indicating that slow inward radial diffusion is not the dominant source of inner belt electrons under quiet/average conditions. During SPELLS events, the evolution of electron distributions reveals an enhancement of phase space density that can excee. . .
Date: 12/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA023600 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2016JA023600
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Ferradas C. P., Zhang J.-C., Spence H E, Kistler L. M., Larsen B A, et al.
Title: Ion nose spectral structures observed by the Van Allen Probes
Abstract: We present a statistical study of nose-like structures observed in energetic hydrogen, helium, and oxygen ions near the inner edge of the plasma sheet. Nose structures are spectral features named after the characteristic shapes of energy bands or gaps in the energy-time spectrograms of in situ measured ion fluxes. Using 22 months of observations from the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) instrument onboard Van Allen Probe A, we determine the number of noses observed, and the minimum L-shell reached and energy of each nose on each pass through the inner magnetosphere. We find that multiple noses occur more frequently in heavy ions than in H+, and are most often observed during quiet times. The heavy-ion noses penetrate to lower L shells than H+ noses and there is an energy-magnetic loc. . .
Date: 11/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022942 Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2016JA022942/full
More Details
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
More Details
Authors: Sarno-Smith Lois K., Liemohn Michael W., Skoug Ruth M., Larsen Brian A., Moldwin Mark B., et al.
Title: Local time variations of high-energy plasmaspheric ion pitch angle distributions
Abstract: Recent observations from the Van Allen Probes Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) instrument revealed a persistent depletion in the 1–10 eV ion population in the postmidnight sector during quiet times in the 2 < L < 3 region. This study explores the source of this ion depletion by developing an algorithm to classify 26 months of pitch angle distributions measured by the HOPE instrument. We correct the HOPE low energy fluxes for spacecraft potential using measurements from the Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instrument. A high percentage of low count pitch angle distributions is found in the postmidnight sector coupled with a low percentage of ion distributions peaked perpendicular to the field line. A peak in loss cone distributions in the dusk sector is also observed. These results char. . .
Date: 07/2016 Publisher: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics DOI: 10.1002/2015JA022301 Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2015JA022301
More Details