Van Allen Probes Bibliography is from August 2012 through September 2021 Notice:
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Evolution of relativistic outer belt electrons during an extended quiescent period
Author | Jaynes, A.; Li, X.; Schiller, Q.; Blum, L.; Tu, W.; Turner, D.; Ni, B.; Bortnik, J.; Baker, D.; Kanekal, S.; Blake, J.; Wygant, J.; |
Keywords | electron lifetime; hiss waves; pitch angle scattering; precipitation loss; Radiation belts; Van Allen Probes |
Abstract | To effectively study steady loss due to hiss-driven precipitation of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt, it is useful to isolate this loss by studying a time of relatively quiet geomagnetic activity. We present a case of initial enhancement and slow, steady decay of 700 keV - 2 MeV electron populations in the outer radiation belt during an extended quiescent period from ~15 December 2012 - 13 January 2013. We incorporate particle measurements from a constellation of satellites, including the Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment (CSSWE) CubeSat, the Van Allen Probes twin spacecraft, and THEMIS, to understand the evolution of the electron populations across pitch angle and energy. Additional data from calculated phase space density (PSD), as well as hiss and chorus wave data from Van Allen Probes, helps complete the picture of the slow precipitation loss of relativistic electrons during a quiet time. Electron loss to the atmosphere during this event is quantified through use of the Loss Index Method, utilizing CSSWE measurements at LEO. By comparing these results against equatorial Van Allen Probes electron flux data, we conclude the net precipitation loss of the outer radiation belt content to be greater than 92\%, suggesting no significant acceleration during this period, and resulting in faster electron loss rates than have previously been reported. |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Journal | Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics |
Volume | 119 |
Number of Pages | |
Section | 9558 |
Date Published | 12/2014 |
ISBN | |
URL | http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/2014JA020125 |
DOI | 10.1002/2014JA020125 |