Bibliography
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Found 107 entries in the Bibliography.
Showing entries from 1 through 50
| 2021 |
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Electromagnetic characteristics of fast magnetosonic waves in the inner magnetosphere Abstract In evaluating the effects of fast magnetosonic (MS) waves on magnetospheric particles, their magnetic spectra are often obtained from satellite observations, while electric field components are usually derived under the cold plasma approximation. However, such an approximation has not been verified with in situ observations yet. In this paper, we report the electromagnetic characteristic for MS waves in various plasma environments with observations of the Van Allen Probe A. It is found that a considerable number of observed MS waves consist of dominated electrostatic components, which also suggest the importance of inspecting the estimation algorithm for the electric field components. Moreover, the comparison between results from statistical and theoretical analysis shows that electromagnetic characteristics of the observed MS waves can be well predicted by cold plasma theory. Our result indicates the validation of cold plasma approximation to estimate the electric field components of MS waves from their magnetic counterparts in the inner magnetosphere. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Ouyang, Zhihai; Wang, Dedong; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 08/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JA029759 Fast Magnetosonic Waves; Electromagnetic characteristics; Van Allen Probes; Cold plasma approximation |
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Electromagnetic characteristics of fast magnetosonic waves in the inner magnetosphere Abstract In evaluating the effects of fast magnetosonic (MS) waves on magnetospheric particles, their magnetic spectra are often obtained from satellite observations, while electric field components are usually derived under the cold plasma approximation. However, such an approximation has not been verified with in situ observations yet. In this paper, we report the electromagnetic characteristic for MS waves in various plasma environments with observations of the Van Allen Probe A. It is found that a considerable number of observed MS waves consist of dominated electrostatic components, which also suggest the importance of inspecting the estimation algorithm for the electric field components. Moreover, the comparison between results from statistical and theoretical analysis shows that electromagnetic characteristics of the observed MS waves can be well predicted by cold plasma theory. Our result indicates the validation of cold plasma approximation to estimate the electric field components of MS waves from their magnetic counterparts in the inner magnetosphere. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Ouyang, Zhihai; Wang, Dedong; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 08/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JA029759 Fast Magnetosonic Waves; Electromagnetic characteristics; Van Allen Probes; Cold plasma approximation |
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Abstract Here we perform a statistical analysis of low frequency ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves (mHz-Hz) in the Earth’s inner magnetosphere excluding electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves concurrently observed. We use the magnetic field data from the two Van Allen Probes during their first magnetic local time (MLT) revolution that cover the periods of coronal mass ejections. The major results of our analysis are as follows. (1) Spectra of both the transverse and compressional ULF waves are well approximated by the power-laws in the mHz-Hz frequency range. (2) There are two sources of the low frequency ULF waves: an internal magnetospheric source and an external source outside of the magnetosphere. (3) The average transverse power in the 6-24 hr MLT sector dominates that in the 0-6 hr sector, whereas the compressional power in the 12-24 hr sector dominates that in the 0-12 hr sector. (4) The average powers of transverse and compressional ULF waves in the plasmasphere dominate the average powers in the high L shell region of , and there is a deep power minimum in the intermediary region of . (5) The compressional ULF wave power has a maximum in the near equatorial region, whereas the transverse power has a minimum there. (6) A wave energy cascade from low frequency ULF waves into the higher frequency range of EMIC waves (Hz) supplies the nonthermal seed fluctuations from which EMIC waves can then grow due to instabilities of the energetic magnetospheric ions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Gamayunov, Konstantin; Engebretson, Mark; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 07/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JA029247 coronal mass ejection; low frequency ULF waves; Earth s inner magnetosphere; statistics of ULF waves; turbulent energy cascade; seeding of EMIC waves; Van Allen Probes |
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The effect of non-storm time substorms on the ring current dynamics Abstract During geomagnetically active times such as geomagnetic storms, large amounts of energy can be released into the Earth’s magnetosphere and change the ring current intensity. Previous studies showed that significant enhancement of the ring current was related to geomagnetic storms, while few studies have examined substorm effects on ring current dynamics. In this study, we examine the ring current variation during non-storm time (SYM-H > −50 nT) substorms, especially during super-substorms ( AE > 1000 nT). We perform a statistical analysis of ring current plasma pressure and number flux of various ion species under different substorm conditions, based on Van Allen Probe observations. The plasma pressure and ion fluxes of the ring current increased dramatically during super-substorms, while little change was observed for substorms with AE < 1000 nT. The results shown in this study indicate that a non-storm time super-substorm may also have a significant contribution to the ring current. Jang, Eunjin; Yue, Chao; Zong, Qiugang; Fu, Suiyan; Fu, HaoBo; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 06/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2021032 |
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The Characteristics of Three-belt Structure of Sub-MeV Electrons in the Radiation Belts Abstract After the launch of Van Allen Probes, the three-belt structures of ultra-relativistic electrons are discovered. In this study, we investigate the three-belt structures of sub-MeV electrons, which may form under different mechanism compared with those of ultra-relativistic electrons and are worth in-depth analysis. Based on the differential flux data from MagEIS onboard RBSP-B satellite, we find 54 events, in which two comparable peaks of sub-MeV electron fluxes and a slot appear where there should be the outer radiation belt. Through the statistical analysis, the three-belt structures of sub-MeV electrons are found to be closely related to SYM-H and AE indices. The 2-day SYM-H minimum and AE maximum before the event have a linear trend with the remnant belt and the “second slot” locations. The L values of the remnant belt and the “second slot” of different energy electrons decrease as energy increases in general and show interesting characteristics during their temporal evolution. Moreover, the lifetime of the remnant belt of different energy electrons increases as energy increases. We find similarities and differences between sub-MeV and ultra-relativistic electrons three-belt events, which provides a new perspective in three-belt structure study. Li, Yu-Xuan; Yue, Chao; Hao, Yi-Xin; Zong, Qiu-Gang; Zhou, Xu-Zhi; Fu, Sui-Yan; Chen, Xing-Ran; Zhao, Xing-Xin; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 06/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JA029385 |
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The Link between Wedge-like and Nose-like Ion Spectral Structures in the Inner Magnetosphere AbstractThe wedge-like and nose-like ion spectral structures, named after their characteristic shapes in the energy-time spectrograms, appear to be distinctively different structures in the Earth s inner magnetosphere. Here we present a case study with conjugate observations from the Arase spacecraft and the twin Van Allen Probes on July 1 and 2, 2017, which displayed the characteristic signatures of the wedge-like and nose-like ion structures, respectively. When the spacecraft nearly intersected at L =2.8, the two structures overlapped with enhanced ion fluxes in the energy range of 1-10 keV. These observations suggest that the wedge-like and nose-like spectral signatures are merely the manifestations of one single structure along different spacecraft trajectories. This finding is further validated by the reproduction of both structures from a particle-tracing model, which also indicates their formation processes associated with the intermittent substorm injections in the nightside magnetosphere. Ren, Jie; Zhou, Xu-Zhi; Zong, Qiu-Gang; Yue, Chao; Fu, Sui-Yan; Miyoshi, Y.; Zhang, Xiao-Xin; Asamura, K.; Shinohara, I.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 06/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093930 |
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Origin of Electron Boomerang Stripes: Statistical Study Abstract In the outer radiation belt, localized ULF waves can interact with energetic electrons by drift resonance, leading to quasiperiodic oscillations. The oscillations in the pitch angle spectrum can be characterized by either boomerang-shaped or straight stripes. Previous studies have shown that boomerang-shaped stripes evolve from straight ones when electrons drift away from the localized wave interaction region. Based on the time-of-flight technique on the pitch angle-dependent drift velocity, the origin can be remotely identified from the pitch angle dispersion. We report 27 straight stripe events and 86 boomerang-shaped events observed by Van Allen Probes from 2013/01/01 to 2017/12/31. Statistical study shows a good coincidence between the locations of straight ones and traceback regions from boomerang-shaped ones. These locations, mainly located in noon-to-dusk region, coincide well with the plasmaspheric plumes. Thus localized ULF waves trapped in the plume may result in the preference of localized ULF waves-electron interactions at noon-to-dusk region. Zhao, X.; Hao, Y.; Zong, Q.; Zhou, X.; Yue, Chao; Chen, X.; Liu, Y.; Liu, Z.-Y.; Blake, J.; Claudepierre, S.; Reeves, G.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 05/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093377 Localized ULF waves; Energetic Elctrons; drift resonance; Time-of-flight Technique; source region; boomerang-shaped stripes; Van Allen Probes |
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Rapid injections of MeV electrons and extremely fast step-like outer radiation belt enhancements Abstract Rapid injection of MeV electrons associated with strong substorm dipolarization has been suggested as a potential explanation for some radiation belt enhancement events. However, it has been difficult to quantify the contribution of MeV electron injections to radiation belt enhancements. This paper presents two isolated MeV electron injection events for which we quite precisely quantify how the entire outer-belt immediately changed with the injections. Tracking detailed outer-belt evolution observed by Van Allen Probes, for both events, we identify large step-like relativistic electron enhancements (roughly 1-order of magnitude increase for ∼2 MeV electron fluxes) for L ≳ 3.8 and L ≳ 4.6, respectively, that occurred on ∼30-min timescales nearly instantaneously with the injections. The enhancements occurred almost simultaneously for 10s keV to multi-MeV electrons, with the lowest-L of enhancement region located farther out for higher energy. The outer-belt stayed at these new levels for ≳ several hours without substantial subsequent enhancements. Kim, H.-J.; Lee, D.-Y.; Wolf, R.; Bortnik, J.; Kim, K.-C.; Lyons, L.; Choe, W.; Noh, S.-J.; Choi, K.-E.; Yue, C.; Li, J.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 05/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL093151 Radiation belt enhancement; Relatvistic electrons; substorm injection; Step-like; Extremely fast; Van Allen Probes |
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Abstract We performed a comprehensive statistical study of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed by the Van Allen Probes and Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace satellite (ERG/Arase). From 2017 to 2018, we identified and categorized EMIC wave events with respect to wavebands (H+ and He+ EMIC waves) and relative locations from the plasmasphere (inside and outside the plasmasphere). We found that H+ EMIC waves in the morning sector at L>8 are predominantly observed with a mixture of linear and right-handed polarity and higher wave normal angles during quiet geomagnetic conditions. Both H+ and He+ EMIC waves observed in the noon sector at L∼4-6 have left-handed polarity and lower wave normal angles at |MLAT|< 20˚ during the recovery phase of a storm with moderate solar wind pressure. In the afternoon sector (12-18 MLT), He+ EMIC waves are dominantly observed with strongly enhanced wave power at L∼6-8 during the storm main phase, while in the dusk sector (17-21 MLT) they have lower wave normal angles with linear polarity at L>8 during geomagnetic quiet conditions. Based on distinct characteristics at different EMIC wave occurrence regions, we suggest that EMIC waves in the magnetosphere can be generated by different free energy sources. Possible sources include the freshly injected particles from the plasma sheet, adiabatic heating by dayside magnetospheric compressions, suprathermal proton heating by magnetosonic waves, and off-equatorial sources. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Jun, C.-W; Miyoshi, Y.; Kurita, S.; Yue, C.; Bortnik, J.; Lyons, L.; Nakamura, S.; Shoji, M.; Imajo, S.; Kletzing, C.; Kasahara, Y.; Kasaba, Y.; Matsuda, S.; Tsuchiya, F.; Kumamoto, A.; Matsuoka, A.; Shinohara, I.; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 05/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA029001 Spatial distributions of EMIC waves; RBSP and Arase observations; EMIC wave properties; EMIC wave dependence on geomagnetic condition; Van Allen Probes |
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Sustained oxygen spectral gaps and their dynamic evolution in the inner magnetosphere Abstract Van Allen Probes observations of ion spectra often show a sustained gap within a very narrow energy range throughout the full orbit. To understand their formation mechanism, we statistically investigate the characteristics of the narrow gaps for oxygen ions and find that they are most frequently observed near the noon sector with a peak occurrence rate of over 30\%. The magnetic moment (μ) of the oxygen ions in the gap shows a strong dependence on magnetic local time (MLT), with higher and lower μ in the morning and afternoon sectors, respectively. Moreover, we find through superposed epoch analysis that the gap formation also depends on geomagnetic conditions. Those gaps formed at lower magnetic moments (μ < 3000 keV/G) are associated with stable convection electric fields, which enable magnetospheric ions to follow a steady drift pattern that facilitates the gap formation by corotational drift resonance. On the other hand, gaps with higher μ values are statistically preceded by a gradual increase of geomagnetic activity. We suggest that ions within the gap were originally located inside the Alfven layer following closed drift paths, before they were transitioned into open drift paths as the convection electric field was enhanced. The sunward drift of these ions, with very low fluxes, forms a drainage void in the dayside magnetosphere manifested as the sustained gap in the oxygen spectrum. This scenario is supported by particle-tracing simulations, which reproduce most of the observed characteristics and therefore provide new insights into inner magnetospheric dynamics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Yue, Chao; Zhou, Xu-Zhi; Bortnik, Jacob; Zong, Qiu-Gang; Li, Yuxuan; Ren, Jie; Reeves, Geoffrey; Spence, Harlan; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 04/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA029092 oxygen spectral gaps; corotational drift resonance; sustained gaps; drainage void; test particle simulations; Van Allen Probes |
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Energetic electron detection packages on board Chinese navigation satellites in MEO Abstract Energetic electron measurements and spacecraft charging are of great significance for theoretical research in space physics and space weather applications. In this paper, the energetic electron detection package (EEDP) deployed on three Chinese navigation satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO) is reviewed. The instrument was developed by the space science payload team led by Peking University. The EEDP includes a pinhole medium-energy electron spectrometer (MES), a high-energy electron detector (HED) based on ΔE-E telescope technology, and a deep dielectric charging monitor (DDCM). The MES measures the energy spectra of 50−600 keV electrons from nine directions with a 180°×30° field of view (FOV). The HED measures the energy spectrum of 0.5−3.0 MeV electrons from one direction with a 30° cone-angle FOV. The ground test and calibration results indicate that these three sensors exhibit excellent performance. Preliminary observations show that the electron spectra measured by the MES and HED are in good agreement with the results from the magnetic electron-ion spectrometer (MagEIS) of the Van Allen Probes spacecraft, with an average relative deviation of 27.3\% for the energy spectra. The charging currents and voltages measured by the DDCM during storms are consistent with the high-energy electron observations of the HED, demonstrating the effectiveness of the DDCM. The observations of the EEDP on board the three MEO satellites can provide important support for theoretical research on the radiation belts and the applications related to space weather. YuGuang, Ye; Hong, Zou; Qiu-Gang, Zong; HongFei, Chen; JiQing, Zou; WeiHong, Shi; XiangQian, Yu; WeiYing, Zhong; YongFu, Wang; YiXin, Hao; ZhiYang, Liu; XiangHong, Jia; Bo, Wang; XiaoPing, Yang; XiaoYun, Hao; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 04/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2021021 Radiation belts; energetic electron detection; Pin-hole technology; Chinese navigation satellites; MEO; internal charging; Van Allen Probes |
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Energetic electron detection packages on board Chinese navigation satellites in MEO Abstract Energetic electron measurements and spacecraft charging are of great significance for theoretical research in space physics and space weather applications. In this paper, the energetic electron detection package (EEDP) deployed on three Chinese navigation satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO) is reviewed. The instrument was developed by the space science payload team led by Peking University. The EEDP includes a pinhole medium-energy electron spectrometer (MES), a high-energy electron detector (HED) based on ΔE-E telescope technology, and a deep dielectric charging monitor (DDCM). The MES measures the energy spectra of 50−600 keV electrons from nine directions with a 180°×30° field of view (FOV). The HED measures the energy spectrum of 0.5−3.0 MeV electrons from one direction with a 30° cone-angle FOV. The ground test and calibration results indicate that these three sensors exhibit excellent performance. Preliminary observations show that the electron spectra measured by the MES and HED are in good agreement with the results from the magnetic electron-ion spectrometer (MagEIS) of the Van Allen Probes spacecraft, with an average relative deviation of 27.3\% for the energy spectra. The charging currents and voltages measured by the DDCM during storms are consistent with the high-energy electron observations of the HED, demonstrating the effectiveness of the DDCM. The observations of the EEDP on board the three MEO satellites can provide important support for theoretical research on the radiation belts and the applications related to space weather. YuGuang, Ye; Hong, Zou; Qiu-Gang, Zong; HongFei, Chen; JiQing, Zou; WeiHong, Shi; XiangQian, Yu; WeiYing, Zhong; YongFu, Wang; YiXin, Hao; ZhiYang, Liu; XiangHong, Jia; Bo, Wang; XiaoPing, Yang; XiaoYun, Hao; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 04/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2021021 Radiation belts; energetic electron detection; Pin-hole technology; Chinese navigation satellites; MEO; internal charging; Van Allen Probes |
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A comparative study on the distributions of incoherent and coherent plasmaspheric hiss Abstract We perform a comparative study on the distributions of incoherent and coherent plasmaspheric hiss, based on the Van Allen Probe data. The statistics show that incoherent hiss ( ∼10–20 pT) is widely distributed in dayside plasmasphere, with peak frequencies below 500 Hz; intense coherent hiss (amplitudes up to 80 pT) occurs in outer plasmasphere of L > 4 (L denotes the L-shell.), whose frequency increases with ambient magnetic field significantly. The Poynting flux analysis indicates that incoherent hiss generally propagates omni-directionally inside the plasmasphere, with features of external sources; the coherent hiss propagates away from the equatorial region in outer plasmasphere and has a reversed direction in inner plasmasphere, indicating two different wave sources by local generation and ducted lightning generated whistler (LGW) respectively. This comparative study helps us to better understand the origination of plasmaspheric hiss. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. He, Zhaoguo; Yu, Jiang; Li, Kun; Liu, Nigang; Chen, Zewen; Cui, Jun; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 03/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GL092902 |
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Formation of the mass density peak at the magnetospheric equator triggered by EMIC waves Abstract We report a simultaneous observation of two band electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and toroidal Alfvén waves by the Van Allen Probe mission. Through wave frequency analyses, the mass density ρ is found to be locally peaked at the magnetic equator. Perpendicular fluxes of ions (< 100 eV) increase simultaneously with the appearances of EMIC waves, indicating a heating of these ions by EMIC waves. In addition, the measured ion distributions also support the equatorial peak formation, which accords with the result of the frequency analyses. The formation of local mass density peaks at the equator should be due to enhancements of equatorial ion concentrations, which are triggered by EMIC waves’ perpendicular heating on low energy ions. Xue, Zuxiang; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Shiyong, Huang; Qiao, Zheng; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 03/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2021008 Toroidal Alfven waves; EMIC waves; magnetoseismology; equatorial mass density peak; Van Allen Probes |
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Formation of the mass density peak at the magnetospheric equator triggered by EMIC waves Abstract We report a simultaneous observation of two band electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and toroidal Alfvén waves by the Van Allen Probe mission. Through wave frequency analyses, the mass density ρ is found to be locally peaked at the magnetic equator. Perpendicular fluxes of ions (< 100 eV) increase simultaneously with the appearances of EMIC waves, indicating a heating of these ions by EMIC waves. In addition, the measured ion distributions also support the equatorial peak formation, which accords with the result of the frequency analyses. The formation of local mass density peaks at the equator should be due to enhancements of equatorial ion concentrations, which are triggered by EMIC waves’ perpendicular heating on low energy ions. Xue, Zuxiang; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Shiyong, Huang; Qiao, Zheng; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 03/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26464/epp2021008 Toroidal Alfven waves; EMIC waves; magnetoseismology; equatorial mass density peak; Van Allen Probes |
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Abstract During geomagnetic storms, magnetospheric wave activity drives the ion precipitation which can become an important source of energy flux into the ionosphere and strongly affect the dynamics of the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. In this study, we investigate the role of Electro Magnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves in causing ion precipitation into the ionosphere using simulations from the RAM-SCBE model with and without EMIC waves included. The global distribution of H-band and He-band EMIC wave intensity in the model is based on three different EMIC wave models statistically derived from satellite measurements. Comparisons among the simulations and with observations suggest that the EMIC wave model based on recent Van Allen Probes observations is the best in reproducing the realistic ion precipitation into the ionosphere. Specifically, the maximum precipitating proton fluxes appear at L = 4–5 in the afternoon-to-night sector which is in good agreement with statistical results, and the temporal evolution of integrated proton energy fluxes at auroral latitudes is consistent with earlier studies of the stormtime precipitating proton energy fluxes and vary in close relation to the SYM-H index. Besides, the simulations with this wave model can account for the enhanced precipitation of < 20 keV proton energy fluxes at regions closer to Earth (L < 5) as measured by NOAA/POES satellites, and reproduce reasonably well the intensity of <30 keV proton energy fluxes measured by DMSP satellites. It is suggested that the inclusion of H-band EMIC waves improves the intensity of precipitation in the model leading to better agreement with the NOAA/POES data. Shreedevi, P.; Yu, Yiqun; Ni, Binbin; Saikin, Anthony; Jordanova, Vania; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 02/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028553 EMIC waves; Geomagnetic storms; proton precipitation; ring current modeling; MI coupling; wave particle interaction; Van Allen Probes |
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Abstract In this paper, analytical approximation is used to solve the wave equations near the plasmapause boundary layer in order to examine the validity of ray tracing approach for fast magnetosonic (MS) wave propagations, and then analytical solutions for electromagnetic fields of MS waves through the plasmapause boundary layer are provided for the first time. Both theoretical calculations from the analytical expressions and observations of Van Allen Probes have indicated that electric fields of MS waves decrease rapidly but magnetic fields increase rapidly when propagating across the plasmapause boundary layer from the outside. Considering effects of width of the plasmapause and wave frequency, parameter analysis has shown that when the width of the plasmapause boundary layer is narrow in comparison with the wavelength of MS waves, a significant part of waves will be reflected. In these circumstances, the WKB approximation and then ray tracing method might become invalid, and analytical approach provided in this paper could be utilized to solve the wave equation. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Ouyang, Zhihai; Yao, Fei; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 02/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028330 MS waves; Radial propagation; Analytical approach; WKB approximation; Van Allen Probes |
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Abstract In this paper, analytical approximation is used to solve the wave equations near the plasmapause boundary layer in order to examine the validity of ray tracing approach for fast magnetosonic (MS) wave propagations, and then analytical solutions for electromagnetic fields of MS waves through the plasmapause boundary layer are provided for the first time. Both theoretical calculations from the analytical expressions and observations of Van Allen Probes have indicated that electric fields of MS waves decrease rapidly but magnetic fields increase rapidly when propagating across the plasmapause boundary layer from the outside. Considering effects of width of the plasmapause and wave frequency, parameter analysis has shown that when the width of the plasmapause boundary layer is narrow in comparison with the wavelength of MS waves, a significant part of waves will be reflected. In these circumstances, the WKB approximation and then ray tracing method might become invalid, and analytical approach provided in this paper could be utilized to solve the wave equation. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Ouyang, Zhihai; Yao, Fei; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 02/2021 YEAR: 2021 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028330 MS waves; Radial propagation; Analytical approach; WKB approximation; Van Allen Probes |
| 2020 |
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Van Allen Probes (VAPs) and multiple ground-based stations simultaneously observed prompt emergences and disappearances of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves driven by the sequentially enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure in the dayside inner magnetosphere on 6 November 2015. The measured hot protons (> 60 keV) display enhancements of perpendicular temperature during compressions, which provides sufficient temperature anisotropies for the EMIC wave generation so that the calculated linear growth rate also agrees well with the observed wave spectrum. There are bidirectionally propagating EMIC waves observed by VAPs at off equator regions (MLAT from ∼ 13° to ∼ 18°), which indicates local wave excitation under the compressions’ impact. The quick responses of waves and particle distributions to the compressions and decompressions at multiple points in the dayside suggest that the external pressure pulses can be a direct driver for the inner magnetospheric wave evolution and energetic particle dynamics. Xue, Zuxiang; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 12/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL091479 EMIC wave; solar wind dynamic pressure; Magnetospheric compression; Multipoint observations; Van Allen Probes |
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Van Allen Probes (VAPs) and multiple ground-based stations simultaneously observed prompt emergences and disappearances of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves driven by the sequentially enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure in the dayside inner magnetosphere on 6 November 2015. The measured hot protons (> 60 keV) display enhancements of perpendicular temperature during compressions, which provides sufficient temperature anisotropies for the EMIC wave generation so that the calculated linear growth rate also agrees well with the observed wave spectrum. There are bidirectionally propagating EMIC waves observed by VAPs at off equator regions (MLAT from ∼ 13° to ∼ 18°), which indicates local wave excitation under the compressions’ impact. The quick responses of waves and particle distributions to the compressions and decompressions at multiple points in the dayside suggest that the external pressure pulses can be a direct driver for the inner magnetospheric wave evolution and energetic particle dynamics. Xue, Zuxiang; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 12/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL091479 EMIC wave; solar wind dynamic pressure; Magnetospheric compression; Multipoint observations; Van Allen Probes |
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Ring current decay during storm recovery phase may be affected by different loss processes. In this study, we have investigated the lifetimes of ring current ions (H+ and O+) of energies from 1 keV to several hundred keV at L shell from 3 to 6 during the storm recovery phase through a statistical survey. The observational data of 48 geomagnetic storms from March 2013 to May 2019 are collected based on Van Allen Probe observations. We find that (1) the observed lifetimes of H+ and O+ in general increase with L shell and (2) the lifetimes of H+ is short than that of O+ when E < ∼50 keV while the situation is reversed when E > ∼50 keV. In addition, we have made use of the charge exchange theory, combined with previous experimental results on the charge exchange cross section and two distribution models of neutral hydrogen atoms in the exosphere, so as to directly estimate the ring current ions decay caused by charge exchange mechanism only. Through the comparison between the model predictions of charge exchange lifetime and the observed lifetimes, we find that (3) the observed lifetimes are in general consistent with model results, which confirms that charge exchange is a dominant loss mechanism of ring current ions during storm recovery phase. Chen, Ao; Yue, Chao; Chen, HongFei; Zong, Qiugang; Fu, Suiyan; Wang, Yongfu; Ren, Jie; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 12/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028500 charge exchange; lifetime; ring current decay; Van Allen Probes |
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In this study, the excitation of narrowband fast magnetosonic (MS) waves near the lower hybrid resonance frequency (fLHR) has been investigated with observations from Van Allen Probes mission and linear growth theory. A typical wave event is first examined to show that these waves can be excited through linear instabilities driven by partial shell distributions of protons. Then it is found that these narrowband MS waves from 188 wave events observed by the Van Allen Probe A between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 have central frequencies around 0.7fLHR with a bandwidth of 0.2fLHR. In addition, these waves are observed mainly in the dayside and dusk sectors outside the plasmapause, which is different from previously reported results. Moreover, the simultaneously observed energetic protons during wave activities show that the ratios of the ring speed Vr to the Alfvén speed VA mainly fall into the range of 0.8 < Vr/VA < 1, and this preferred condition for excitations of narrowband MS waves near fLHR is also verified by a parameter analysis of calculating linear wave growth rates combined with wave observations. Ouyang, Zhihai; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Yao, Fei; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 12/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028158 central frequencies; linear growth rates; lower hybrid resonance frequency; narrowband fast magnetosonic wave; Proton rings; Van Allen Probes |
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In this study, the excitation of narrowband fast magnetosonic (MS) waves near the lower hybrid resonance frequency (fLHR) has been investigated with observations from Van Allen Probes mission and linear growth theory. A typical wave event is first examined to show that these waves can be excited through linear instabilities driven by partial shell distributions of protons. Then it is found that these narrowband MS waves from 188 wave events observed by the Van Allen Probe A between January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 have central frequencies around 0.7fLHR with a bandwidth of 0.2fLHR. In addition, these waves are observed mainly in the dayside and dusk sectors outside the plasmapause, which is different from previously reported results. Moreover, the simultaneously observed energetic protons during wave activities show that the ratios of the ring speed Vr to the Alfvén speed VA mainly fall into the range of 0.8 < Vr/VA < 1, and this preferred condition for excitations of narrowband MS waves near fLHR is also verified by a parameter analysis of calculating linear wave growth rates combined with wave observations. Ouyang, Zhihai; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Yao, Fei; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 12/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028158 central frequencies; linear growth rates; lower hybrid resonance frequency; narrowband fast magnetosonic wave; Proton rings; Van Allen Probes |
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On the Formation of Wedge-Like Ion Spectral Structures in the Nightside Inner Magnetosphere Recent observations in the nightside inner magnetosphere have identified a series of wedge-like spectral structures in the energy-time spectrograms of oxygen, helium, and hydrogen ion fluxes. Although the shapes and distributions of these structures have been characterized by case and statistical studies, their formation mechanism remains unclear. Here we utilize a particle tracing model to reproduce the wedge-like structures successively observed by the twin Van Allen Probes. The model suggests that these structures originate from intermittent substorm injection, and it is the accessibility region of these injected ions that determines their shapes. This mechanism is similar to the formation of another kind of structures, the inner magnetospheric nose-like structures, except that the wedge-like structures are separated from the tail population by the discontinuation of ion injections. This scenario is also supported by the distribution statistics of wedge-like structures, which provides new insights into the dynamics of the magnetotail-inner magnetosphere coupled system. Zhou, Xu-Zhi; Ren, Jie; Yang, Fan; Yue, Chao; Zong, Qiu-Gang; Fu, Sui-Yan; Wang, Yongfu; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 11/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028420 wedge-like structure; inner magnetosphere; substorm injection; magnetospheric convection; ring current; magnetotail; Van Allen Probes |
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Simultaneously Formed Wedge-Like Structures of Different Ion Species Deep in the Inner Magnetosphere In this study, ion data from the Helium, Oxygen, Proton, and Electron (HOPE) spectrometers onboard Van Allen Probes reveal the existence of wedge-like structures of O+, He+, and H+ ions deep in the inner magnetosphere. The behaviors of the wedge-like structures in terms of temporal evolution, spatial distribution, upper energy limit, as well as dependence on solar wind and different geomagnetic indices are investigated from both event studies of several consecutive orbits on 3 February 2013 and the subsequent statistical analyses using 4 years of data. Unlike the dominant distribution at –8 in the dayside observed by the polar orbit satellites in previous studies, the wedge-like structures deep in the equatorial plane of the inner magnetosphere are found mostly at the Mcllwain L shells of –5 and have a preferential location in the duskside and nightside. The O+ and He+ structures can extend to smaller L shells with higher upper energy limits than the H+ structures, while the upper energy limits of all these particle species show a similar variation tendency with respect to magnetic local time (MLT) and L. Observations indicate that these wedge-like structures are probably attributed to fresh substorm injections from the outer region. Ren, Jie; Zong, Q.; Yue, C.; Zhou, X.; Fu, S; Spence, H.; Funsten, H.; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 11/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028192 wedge-like structures; Ring current ions; inner magnetosphere; Substorm Injections; Van Allen Probes |
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On 31 January 2016, the flux of >2 MeV electrons observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-13 dropped to the background level during a minor storm main phase (−48 nT). Then, a second storm (−53 nT) occurred on 2 February; during the 3 days after its main phase, the flux remained at background level. Using data from various instruments on the GOES, Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES), Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), Meteor-M2, and Fengyun-series spacecraft, we study this long-term dropout of MeV electrons during two sequential storms of similar magnitude under lightly disturbed solar wind conditions. Observations from low-altitude satellites show that the fluxes decreased first at higher L-shells and then gradually propagated inward. Moreover, the fluxes were almost completely lost and dropped to the background level at L > 5, while the fluxes at 4 < L < 5 were partly lost, as observed by RBSP and low-altitude satellites. Finally, observations show that on 5 February, only the fluxes at L > 5.5 recovered, while the fluxes at 4 < L < 5 did not return to the prestorm levels. These observations indicate that the loss and recovery processes developed first at higher L-shells. Phase space density (PSD) analysis shows that radial outward diffusion was the main reason for the dropout at higher L-shells. Regarding electron enhancement, stronger inward diffusion was accompanied by ultra-low-frequency (ULF) wave activities at higher L-shells, and chorus waves observed at outer L-shells provided conditions for relativistic electron flux recovery to the prestorm levels. Wu, H.; Chen, T.; Kalegaev, V.; Panasyuk, M.; Vlasova, N.; Duan, S.; Zhang, X.; He, Z.; Luo, J.; Wang, C.; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 10/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028098 Radiation belt; relativistic electron dropout; Geomagnetic storm; Van Allen Probes |
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Precipitation Loss of Radiation Belt Electrons by Two-Band Plasmaspheric Hiss Waves A two-band plasmaspheric hiss consisting of a low-frequency band (normal hiss with the frequency below 2 kHz) and a high-frequency band (locally generated hiss with the frequency up to 10 kHz) was observed on 6 January 2014 by the Van Allen Probes (He et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081578). The electron scattering effect driven by this kind of two-band plasmaspheric hiss is evaluated by the quasi-linear diffusion simulation for the first time. Realistic wave characteristic parameters of the two-band plasmaspheric hiss from statistics are adopted for driving our simulation. The pitch angle diffusion rates of the low-frequency band hiss present a “gap” with minimum magnitude at pitch angle αe ∼ 70°, a condition not favoring the transport of large pitch angle electrons toward the loss cone. However, the diffusion rates of the high-frequency band hiss have peak values at αe ∼ 70°, filling up for the “gap” of the low-frequency hiss diffusion rates. The realistic wave-driven electron PSD evolutions demonstrate that the collaborated effect of the low-frequency band and high-frequency band hiss can cause significant precipitation losses of energetic electrons of tens to several hundred keV within 2 days. He, Zhaoguo; Yan, Qi; Zhang, Xiaoping; Yu, Jiang; Ma, Yonghui; Cao, Yong; Cui, Jun; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 10/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028157 two-band hiss; radiation belt electron; loss; Van Allen Probes |
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Analytical Fast Magnetosonic Wave Model Based on Observations of Van Allen Probe Based on observations of Van Allen Probe-A during the period from 19 September 2012 to 28 February 2016, the relations of the fast magnetosonic (MS) wave amplitude Bw with kp index, the wave normal angle (WNA), and the wave normalized frequency (norF) are presented. Then, we establish an analytical regression model for MS wave amplitude as a function of geomagnetic storm activity (presented by kp index), L-shell (L), magnetic local time (MLT), magnetic latitude (λ), and the characteristics of MS wave, that is, wave norF and WNA. From the analytical Bw models, we found MS wave amplitude Bw has a positive relation with the intensity of geomagnetic activities both inside and outside the plasmapause, while the Bw can reach higher values inside the plasmapause than it does outside the plasmapause as the kp index increases. The Bw distribution on the norF demonstrates that most of the wave energies are concentrated on the lower harmonics part, which results from the excitation mechanism of MS waves. In addition, the Bw distribution on the WNA shows that the waves with larger normal angles have higher values of wave amplitude. Our analytic MS wave model agrees with the observed distribution in 3-D space of L, MLT, and λ well with high value of determine coefficient R2. The extended λ dimension will help us to calculate the more accurate bounced averaged diffusion coefficients during particles transit time. Yao, Fei; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Wang, Dedong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 10/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028527 fast magnetosonic wave; Van Allen Probe; analytical regression model; wave normal angle; Plasmapause; Van Allen Probes |
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Analytical Fast Magnetosonic Wave Model Based on Observations of Van Allen Probe Based on observations of Van Allen Probe-A during the period from 19 September 2012 to 28 February 2016, the relations of the fast magnetosonic (MS) wave amplitude Bw with kp index, the wave normal angle (WNA), and the wave normalized frequency (norF) are presented. Then, we establish an analytical regression model for MS wave amplitude as a function of geomagnetic storm activity (presented by kp index), L-shell (L), magnetic local time (MLT), magnetic latitude (λ), and the characteristics of MS wave, that is, wave norF and WNA. From the analytical Bw models, we found MS wave amplitude Bw has a positive relation with the intensity of geomagnetic activities both inside and outside the plasmapause, while the Bw can reach higher values inside the plasmapause than it does outside the plasmapause as the kp index increases. The Bw distribution on the norF demonstrates that most of the wave energies are concentrated on the lower harmonics part, which results from the excitation mechanism of MS waves. In addition, the Bw distribution on the WNA shows that the waves with larger normal angles have higher values of wave amplitude. Our analytic MS wave model agrees with the observed distribution in 3-D space of L, MLT, and λ well with high value of determine coefficient R2. The extended λ dimension will help us to calculate the more accurate bounced averaged diffusion coefficients during particles transit time. Yao, Fei; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Wang, Dedong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 10/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028527 fast magnetosonic wave; Van Allen Probe; analytical regression model; wave normal angle; Plasmapause; Van Allen Probes |
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The local generation of high-frequency plasmaspheric hiss has recently been reported by a case study (He et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL081578). In this research, we perform statistics of global distributions of the locally generated high-frequency plasmaspheric hiss (LHFPH) for different levels of substorm activity, using 6-year observational data from Van Allen Probes. The statistics find that the LHFPH amplitude presents a strong magnetic local time (MLT) asymmetry and highly depends on substorm activity, and intense LHFPHs occur from predawn to dusk side and can penetrate into inner plasmasphere of L ∼ 3 during AE > 300 nT. The statistical LHFPH spectrum shows that its frequency increases with the ambient magnetic field, with peaked wave powers between 0.1 and 0.5 fce. Based on the statistical properties of LHFPH, we evaluate the electron diffusion coefficients using quasi-linear theory. Those results suggest that electron pitch angle scattering driven by LHFPH could be a potential mechanism for the precipitation loss of suprathermal electrons of 0.1 keV to tens of keV, which can impact the ionization and chemical changes in the upper atmosphere. He, Zhaoguo; Yu, Jiang; Chen, Lunjin; Xia, Zhiyang; Wang, Wenrui; Li, Kun; Cui, Jun; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 10/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020JA028526 |
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Ionospheric Signatures of Ring Current Ions Scattered by Magnetosonic Waves In this letter, we present unique conjugated satellite observations of ionospheric signatures of ring current (RC) ions scattered by fast magnetosonic (MS) waves. In the plasmasphere, the Van Allen Probe in situ observed MS waves. At ionospheric altitudes, the NOAA 16 satellite at the footprint of Van Allen Probe simultaneously observed obvious enhancements of mirroring RC ions, but no obvious variations of precipitating RC ions at subauroral latitudes. Theoretical calculations of pitch angle diffusion coefficients for RC ions confirm that observed MS waves can lead to flux enhancements only for mirroring but not for precipitating RC ions, which is in agreement with the observations of NOAA 16. Our result provides a direct link between in situ inner magnetospheric observations of MS waves and conjugated ionospheric observations of flux enhancements for mirroring RC ions caused by MS waves so as to reveal the ionospheric signature of RC ions scattered by MS waves. Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Yu, Xiongdong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Huang, Shiyong; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 08/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL089032 magnetosonic waves; mirroring ions; pitch angle scatter; precipitating ions; Van Allen Probes; Ring current ions |
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Ionospheric Signatures of Ring Current Ions Scattered by Magnetosonic Waves In this letter, we present unique conjugated satellite observations of ionospheric signatures of ring current (RC) ions scattered by fast magnetosonic (MS) waves. In the plasmasphere, the Van Allen Probe in situ observed MS waves. At ionospheric altitudes, the NOAA 16 satellite at the footprint of Van Allen Probe simultaneously observed obvious enhancements of mirroring RC ions, but no obvious variations of precipitating RC ions at subauroral latitudes. Theoretical calculations of pitch angle diffusion coefficients for RC ions confirm that observed MS waves can lead to flux enhancements only for mirroring but not for precipitating RC ions, which is in agreement with the observations of NOAA 16. Our result provides a direct link between in situ inner magnetospheric observations of MS waves and conjugated ionospheric observations of flux enhancements for mirroring RC ions caused by MS waves so as to reveal the ionospheric signature of RC ions scattered by MS waves. Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Yu, Xiongdong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Huang, Shiyong; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 08/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL089032 magnetosonic waves; mirroring ions; pitch angle scatter; precipitating ions; Van Allen Probes; Ring current ions |
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Origin of Electron Boomerang Stripes: Localized ULF Wave-Particle Interactions Ultralow frequency (ULF) wave-particle interactions play a significant role in the radiation belt dynamic process, during which drift resonance can accelerate and transport energetic electrons in the outer radiation belt. Observations of wave-electron drift resonance are characterized by quasiperiodic straight or “boomerang-shaped” stripes in the pitch angle spectrogram. Here we present an ULF wave event on 1 December 2015, during which both kinds stripes were observed by Van Allen Probes A and B, respectively. Using the time-of-flight technique based on the pitch angle dependence of electron drift velocities, the “boomerang-shaped” stripes are inferred to originate from straight stripes at the time and location covered by Probe B. Given that straight stripes were indeed observed by Probe B, our observations strongly support the charged particle interacting with azimuthally localized ULF waves. A new method is provided to identify the location of ULF wave-particle interaction on the basis of remote observations of electron flux modulations. Zhao, X.; Hao, Y.; Zong, Q.-G.; Zhou, X.-Z.; Yue, Chao; Chen, X.; Liu, Y.; Blake, J.; Claudepierre, S.; Reeves, G.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 07/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087960 boomerang-shaped stripes; ULF waves; drift resonance; time of flight; Van Allen Probes |
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The background cold electron density plays an important role in plasma and wave dynamics. Here, we investigate an event with clear modulation of the particle fluxes and wave intensities by background electron density irregularities based on Van Allen Probes observations. The energies at the peak fluxes of protons and Helium ions of 100 eV to several keV are well correlated with the total electron density variation. Intense electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) and magnetosonic (MS) waves are simultaneously observed in the high-density regions and disappear in low-density regions. Based on the linear theory of wave growth, the EMIC waves are generated by the ~10 keV protons, while most MS waves are generated by the positive gradient of proton phase space density at several hundred eV in the high-density regions. Our results indicate the importance of background plasma density structures in generation of plasma waves by unstable ion distributions. Yue, Chao; Ma, Qianli; Jun, Chae-Woo; Bortnik, Jacob; Zong, Qiugang; Zhou, Xuzhi; Jang, Eunjin; Reeves, Geoffrey; Spence, Harlan; Wygant, John; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 07/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL088855 electron density irregularities; electromagnetic ion cyclotron; magnetosonic waves; suprathermal particles; Wave-particle interaction; wave growth rate; Van Allen Probes |
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We report a rare event of intense plasmaspheric hiss and chorus waves simultaneously observed at the same L shell but different magnetic local times by Van Allen Probes and Magnetospheric Multiscale. Based on the measured waves and electron distributions, we calculate the bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients and subsequently simulate the temporal evolution of electron distributions. The simulations show that the dynamics of tens to hundreds of keV electrons are jointly controlled by hiss and chorus. The dynamics of MeV electrons are dominantly controlled by hiss near the loss cone but by chorus at intermediate to large pitch angles. The simulated electron distributions driven by combined diffusion can reproduce the majority of the observations. Our results provide a direct observational evidence that hiss and chorus can simultaneously occur at the same electron drifting shells due to the irregular plasmasphere and highlight the importance of their combined effect on electron dynamics. Yu, J.; Wang, J.; Li, L; Cui, J.; Cao, J.; He, Z.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 07/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL088753 electron diffusion; Plasmaspheric Hiss; chorus waves; Van Allen Probes; MMS |
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Evolutions of equatorial ring current ions during a magnetic storm In this paper, we present evolutions of the phase space density (PSD) spectra of ring current (RC) ions based on observations made by Van Allen Probe B during a geomagnetic storm on 23–24 August 2016. By analyzing PSD spectra ratios from the initial phase to the main phase of the storm, we find that during the main phase, RC ions with low magnetic moment μ values can penetrate deeper into the magnetosphere than can those with high μ values, and that the μ range of PSD enhancement meets the relationship: S(O+) > S(He+) > S(H+). Based on simultaneously observed ULF waves, theoretical calculation suggests that the radial transport of RC ions into the deep inner magnetosphere is caused by drift-bounce resonance interactions, and the efficiency of these resonance interactions satisfies the relationship: η(O+) > η(He+) > η(H+), leading to the differences in μ range of PSD enhancement for different RC ions. In the recovery phase, the observed decay rates for different RC ions meet the relationship: R(O+) > R(He+) > R(H+), in accordance with previous theoretical calculations, i.e., the charge exchange lifetime of O+ is shorter than those of H+ and He+. Huang, Zheng; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 03/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: 10.26464/epp2020019 ULF waves; ring current; wave-particle interactions; Radial Transport; Geomagnetic storm; Decay rates; Van Allen Probes |
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Evolutions of equatorial ring current ions during a magnetic storm In this paper, we present evolutions of the phase space density (PSD) spectra of ring current (RC) ions based on observations made by Van Allen Probe B during a geomagnetic storm on 23–24 August 2016. By analyzing PSD spectra ratios from the initial phase to the main phase of the storm, we find that during the main phase, RC ions with low magnetic moment μ values can penetrate deeper into the magnetosphere than can those with high μ values, and that the μ range of PSD enhancement meets the relationship: S(O+) > S(He+) > S(H+). Based on simultaneously observed ULF waves, theoretical calculation suggests that the radial transport of RC ions into the deep inner magnetosphere is caused by drift-bounce resonance interactions, and the efficiency of these resonance interactions satisfies the relationship: η(O+) > η(He+) > η(H+), leading to the differences in μ range of PSD enhancement for different RC ions. In the recovery phase, the observed decay rates for different RC ions meet the relationship: R(O+) > R(He+) > R(H+), in accordance with previous theoretical calculations, i.e., the charge exchange lifetime of O+ is shorter than those of H+ and He+. Huang, Zheng; Yuan, Zhigang; Yu, Xiongdong; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 03/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: 10.26464/epp2020019 ULF waves; ring current; wave-particle interactions; Radial Transport; Geomagnetic storm; Decay rates; Van Allen Probes |
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Episodic Occurrence of Field-Aligned Energetic Ions on the Dayside The tens of kiloelectron volt ions observed in the ring current region at L ~ 3\textendash7 generally have pancake pitch angle distributions, that is, peaked at 90\textdegree. However, in this study, by using the Van Allen Probe observations on the dayside, unexpectedly, we have found that about 5\% time, protons with energies of ~30 to 50 keV show two distinct populations, having an additional field-aligned population overlapping with the original pancake population. The newly appearing field-aligned populations have higher occurrence rates at ~12\textendash16 magnetic local time during geomagnetically active times. In particular, we have studied eight such events in detail and found that the source regions are located around 12 to 18 magnetic local time which coincides with our statistical result. Based on the ionospheric and geosynchronous observations, it is suggested that these energetic ions with field-aligned pitch angle distributions probably are accelerated near postnoon in association with ionospheric disturbances that are triggered by tail injections. Yue, Chao; Bortnik, Jacob; Zou, Shasha; Nishimura, Yukitoshi; Foster, John; Coppeans, Thomas; Ma, Qianli; Zong, Qiugang; Hull, A.; Henderson, Mike; Reeves, Geoffrey; Spence, Harlan; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 01/2020 YEAR: 2020 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL086384 |
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Fast magnetosonic (MS) waves can play an important role in the evolution of the inner magnetosphere. However, there is still not an effective method to quantitatively identify such waves for observations of the Van Allen Probes reasonably. In this paper, we used Van Allen Probes data from 18 September 2012 to 30 September 2014 to find a more comprehensive automatic detection algorithm for fast MS waves through statistical analysis of the major properties, including the planarity, ellipticity, and wave normal angle of whole fluctuations using the singular value decomposition method. According to a control variate method, we find an obvious difference between fast MS waves and other waves in the statistical distribution of their major properties. After eliminating the influence of background noises, by excluding fluctuations at L < 1.8, we set up an automatic detection algorithm applied to fast MS waves, that is, smaller than 0.2 for the absolute value of wave ellipticity, larger than 70\textdegree for the wave normal angle, with frequency range of 2 Hz to 1.5 fLHR (fLHR is the local lower hybrid resonance frequency). Finally, we have checked the planarity to verify availability of this method and tested this completely automatic method on the Van Allen Probes data and found some results consistent with previous studies. Inside the plasmapause, we found that there is a more obviously favorable occurrence of MS waves at dusk sector with increasing magnetic latitudes. Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Yu, Xiongdong; Huang, Shiyong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: Apr-05-2021 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2018JA026387 ellipticity; magnetosonic wave; normalized distribution; planarity; Van Allen Probes; wave normal angle |
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Fast magnetosonic (MS) waves can play an important role in the evolution of the inner magnetosphere. However, there is still not an effective method to quantitatively identify such waves for observations of the Van Allen Probes reasonably. In this paper, we used Van Allen Probes data from 18 September 2012 to 30 September 2014 to find a more comprehensive automatic detection algorithm for fast MS waves through statistical analysis of the major properties, including the planarity, ellipticity, and wave normal angle of whole fluctuations using the singular value decomposition method. According to a control variate method, we find an obvious difference between fast MS waves and other waves in the statistical distribution of their major properties. After eliminating the influence of background noises, by excluding fluctuations at L < 1.8, we set up an automatic detection algorithm applied to fast MS waves, that is, smaller than 0.2 for the absolute value of wave ellipticity, larger than 70\textdegree for the wave normal angle, with frequency range of 2 Hz to 1.5 fLHR (fLHR is the local lower hybrid resonance frequency). Finally, we have checked the planarity to verify availability of this method and tested this completely automatic method on the Van Allen Probes data and found some results consistent with previous studies. Inside the plasmapause, we found that there is a more obviously favorable occurrence of MS waves at dusk sector with increasing magnetic latitudes. Yuan, Zhigang; Yao, Fei; Yu, Xiongdong; Huang, Shiyong; Ouyang, Zhihai; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: Apr-05-2021 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2018JA026387 ellipticity; magnetosonic wave; normalized distribution; planarity; Van Allen Probes; wave normal angle |
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Based on the statistical data measured by Van Allen Probes from 2012 to 2016, we analyzed the effects of solar wind plasma flow and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on the spatial distribution of Earth\textquoterights radiation belt electrons (>100 keV). The statistical results indicate that the increases in solar wind plasma density and flow speed can exert different effects on the spatial structure of the radiation belts. The high solar wind plasma density (>6 cm-3)/flow pressure (>2.5 nPa) and a large southward IMF (Bz < -6 nT) usually appear in the front of high-speed solar wind streams (> 450 km/s), and they tend to narrow the outer radiation belt but broaden the slot region. In contrast, the increase in solar wind flow speed can broaden the outer radiation belt but narrows the slot region. When the solar wind speed exceeds 500 km/s, the outer radiation belt electrons can penetrate into the slot region (L < 3) and even enter the inner radiation belt (L < 2). The lower-energy electrons penetrate into the deeper (smaller-L) region than the higher-energy electrons. Li, L.Y.; Yang, S.S.; Cao, J.B.; Yu, J.; Luo, X.Y.; Blake, J.B.; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 12/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019JA027284 Changes in The Spatial Structure of Earth\textquoterights Radiation Belts; Increase in Solar Wind Plasma Density; Increase in Solar Wind Plasma Flow Speed; Northward Interplanetary Magnetic Field; Southward interplanetary magnetic field; Van Allen Probes |
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Saturation Characteristics of Parallel EMIC Waves in the Inner Magnetosphere In this letter, detailed evolution process of parallel electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the inner magnetosphere has been investigated through quasilinear theory. A new saturation has been found to occur after the usual first saturation. During the interval between these two saturations, the energy transfers from H+ band to He+ band electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. Moreover, through a best fitting, we obtain new model parameters for the anisotropy-beta inverse relation of hot H+, which identifies the threshold of ion cyclotron instabilities in the inner magnetosphere. In situ observations of the Van Allen Probe mission also verify these new model parameters. Therefore, our results reveal the evolution process and saturation characteristics of parallel electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the inner magnetosphere. Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 07/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL083630 Anisotropy-beta inverse relation; EMIC waves; Quasilinear theory; RC ions; Van Allen Probes |
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Saturation Characteristics of Parallel EMIC Waves in the Inner Magnetosphere In this letter, detailed evolution process of parallel electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the inner magnetosphere has been investigated through quasilinear theory. A new saturation has been found to occur after the usual first saturation. During the interval between these two saturations, the energy transfers from H+ band to He+ band electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. Moreover, through a best fitting, we obtain new model parameters for the anisotropy-beta inverse relation of hot H+, which identifies the threshold of ion cyclotron instabilities in the inner magnetosphere. In situ observations of the Van Allen Probe mission also verify these new model parameters. Therefore, our results reveal the evolution process and saturation characteristics of parallel electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in the inner magnetosphere. Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 07/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL083630 Anisotropy-beta inverse relation; EMIC waves; Quasilinear theory; RC ions; Van Allen Probes |
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Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and magnetosonic waves are commonly observed in the Earth\textquoterights magnetosphere associated with enhanced ring current activity. Using wave and ion measurements from the Van Allen Probes, we identify clear correlations between the hydrogen- and helium-band EMIC waves with the enhancement of trapped helium and oxygen ion fluxes, respectively. We calculate the diffusion coefficients of different ion species using quasi-linear theory to understand the effects of resonant scattering by EMIC waves. Our calculations indicate that EMIC waves can cause pitch angle scattering loss of several keV to hundreds of keV ions, and heating of tens of eV to several keV helium and oxygen ions by hydrogen- and helium-band EMIC waves, respectively. Moreover, we found that magnetosonic waves can cause the resonant heating of thermal protons. Our study indicates the importance of energy transfer from the EMIC and magnetosonic waves to ions with different species at thermal energies. Ma, Q.; Li, W.; Yue, C.; Thorne, R.; Bortnik, J.; Kletzing, C.; Kurth, W.; Hospodarsky, G.; Reeves, G.; Spence, H.; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 06/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL083513 electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves; Ion heating; Quasilinear modeling; Resonant interaction in plasmasphere; ring current; Van Allen Probes; Van Allen Probes observation |
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Double-peak subauroral ion drifts (DSAIDs), characterized by two high-speed flow channels, is a newly identified flow structure in the subauroral ionosphere. He et al. (2016, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL069133) proposed that two region 2 field-aligned currents (R2 FACs) might cause the DSAIDs. However, the underlying physical process that drives the double R2 FACs is unknown. This study reports a DSAIDs event and reveals its magnetospheric drivers. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F18 satellite observed DSAIDs in the duskside subauroral region, which corresponded well to two low-density troughs and two R2 FACs. The Van Allen Probe B demonstrated that intense substorm ion injections recurrently occurred prior to the formation of DSAIDs, suggesting a potential magnetospheric driver of DSAIDs. Simulation confirms that recurrent ion injections intensify the partial ring current and create double pressure peaks in the near-Earth dusk-to-midnight region, leading two R2 FACs to flow into the ionosphere. The two R2 FACs are thus responsible for the DSAIDs formation. This study unveils the generation mechanism of DSAIDs and deepens the knowledge of the complex magnetosphere-ionosphere system. Wei, Dong; Yu, Yiqun; He, Fei; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 06/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL083186 |
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Effect of Low-Harmonic Magnetosonic Waves on the Radiation Belt Electrons Inside the Plasmasphere In this paper, we presented two observational cases and simulations to indicate the relationship between the formation of butterfly-like electron pitch angle distributions and the emission of low-harmonic (LH) fast magnetosonic (MS) waves inside the high-density plasmasphere. In the wave emission region, the pitch angle of relativistic (>1 MeV) electrons becomes obvious butterfly-like distributions for both events (near-equatorially mirroring electrons are transported to lower pitch angles). Unlike relativistic (>1 MeV) electrons, energetic electrons (<1 MeV) change slightly, except that relatively low-energy electrons (<~150 keV) show butterfly-like distributions in the 21 August 2013 event. In theory, the LH MS waves can affect different-energy electrons through the bounce resonance, Landau resonance, and transit time scattering. By performing the Fokker-Planck diffusion simulations, we demonstrate that the bounce resonance with the LH MS waves mainly leads to the butterfly pitch angle distribution of MeV electrons, whereas the Landau resonance and transit time scattering mainly affect energetic electrons in the high-density region. Yu, J.; Li, L; Cui, J.; Cao, J.; Wang, J.; Published by: Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics Published on: 05/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2018JA026328 bounce resonance; Electron acceleration; Landau resonance; magnetosonic waves; transit-time scattering; Van Allen Probes |
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Plasma kinetic theory predicts that sufficiently anisotropic proton distribution will excite electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, which in turn relax the proton distribution to a marginally stable state creating an upper bound on the relaxed proton anisotropy. Here, using EMIC wave observations and coincident plasma measurements made by Van Allen Probes in the inner magnetosphere, we show that the proton distributions are well constrained by this instability to a marginally stable state. Near the threshold, the probability of EMIC wave occurrence is highest, having left-handed polarization and observed near the magnetic equator with relatively small wave normal angles, indicating that these waves are locally generated. In addition, EMIC waves are distributed in two magnetic local time regions with different intensity. Compared with helium band waves, hydrogen band waves behave similarly except that they are often observed in low-density regions. These results reveal several important features regarding EMIC waves excitation and propagation. Yue, Chao; Jun, Chae-Woo; Bortnik, Jacob; An, Xin; Ma, Qianli; Reeves, Geoffrey; Spence, Harlan; Gerrard, Andrew; Gkioulidou, Matina; Mitchell, Donald; Kletzing, Craig; Published by: Geophysical Research Letters Published on: 04/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2019GL082633 EMIC waves; helium-band; hydrogen-band; plasma beta; proton temperature anisotropy; Van Allen Probes |
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Excitation of extremely low-frequency chorus emissions: The role of background plasma density Low-frequency chorus emissions have recently attracted much attention due to the suggestion that they may play important roles in the dynamics of the Van Allen Belts. However, the mechanism (s) generating these low-frequency chorus emissions have not been well understood. . In this letter, we report an interesting case in which background plasma density lowered the lower cutoff frequency of chorus emissions from above 0.1 f ce (typical ordinary chorus) to 0.02 f ce (extremely low-frequency chorus). Those extremely low-frequency chorus waves were observed in a rather dense plasma, where the number density N e was found to be several times larger than has been associated with observations of ordinary chorus waves. For suprathermal electrons whose free energy is supplied by anisotropic temperatures, linear growth rates (calculated using in-situ plasma parameters measured by the Van Allen Probes) show that whistler mode instability can occur at frequencies below 0.1 f ce when the background plasma density N e increases. Especially when N e reaches 90 cm\textendash3 or more, the lowest unstable frequency can extend to 0.02 f ce or even less, which is consistent with satellite observations. Therefore, our results demonstrate that a dense background plasma could play an essential role in the excitation of extremely low-frequency chorus waves by controlling the wave growth rates. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Huang, Shiyong; Yao, Fei; Qiao, Zheng; Wygant, John; Funsten, Herbert; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 02/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.26464/epp2019001 anisotropic temperature instability; linear growth rate; low-frequency chorus emissions; Van Allen Probes; whistler mode |
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Excitation of extremely low-frequency chorus emissions: The role of background plasma density Low-frequency chorus emissions have recently attracted much attention due to the suggestion that they may play important roles in the dynamics of the Van Allen Belts. However, the mechanism (s) generating these low-frequency chorus emissions have not been well understood. . In this letter, we report an interesting case in which background plasma density lowered the lower cutoff frequency of chorus emissions from above 0.1 f ce (typical ordinary chorus) to 0.02 f ce (extremely low-frequency chorus). Those extremely low-frequency chorus waves were observed in a rather dense plasma, where the number density N e was found to be several times larger than has been associated with observations of ordinary chorus waves. For suprathermal electrons whose free energy is supplied by anisotropic temperatures, linear growth rates (calculated using in-situ plasma parameters measured by the Van Allen Probes) show that whistler mode instability can occur at frequencies below 0.1 f ce when the background plasma density N e increases. Especially when N e reaches 90 cm\textendash3 or more, the lowest unstable frequency can extend to 0.02 f ce or even less, which is consistent with satellite observations. Therefore, our results demonstrate that a dense background plasma could play an essential role in the excitation of extremely low-frequency chorus waves by controlling the wave growth rates. Yu, Xiongdong; Yuan, Zhigang; Huang, Shiyong; Yao, Fei; Qiao, Zheng; Wygant, John; Funsten, Herbert; Published by: Earth and Planetary Physics Published on: 02/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.26464/epp2019001 anisotropic temperature instability; linear growth rate; low-frequency chorus emissions; Van Allen Probes; whistler mode |
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Initial Results From the GEM Challenge on the Spacecraft Surface Charging Environment Spacecraft surface charging during geomagnetically disturbed times is one of the most important causes of satellite anomalies. Predicting the surface charging environment is one prevalent task of the geospace environment models. Therefore, the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Focus Group \textquotedblleftInner Magnetosphere Cross-energy/Population Interactions\textquotedblright initiated a community-wide challenge study to assess the capability of several inner magnetosphere ring current models in determining surface charging environment for the Van Allen Probes orbits during the 17 March 2013 storm event. The integrated electron flux between 10 and 50 keV is used as the metrics. Various skill scores are applied to quantitatively measure the modeling performance against observations. Results indicate that no model consistently perform the best in all of the skill scores or for both satellites. We find that from these simulations the ring current model with observational flux boundary condition and Weimer electric potential driver generally reproduces the most realistic flux level around the spacecraft. A simple and weaker Volland-Stern electric field is not capable of effectively transporting the same plasma at the boundary toward the Earth. On the other hand, if the ring current model solves the electric field self-consistently and obtains similar strength and pattern in the equatorial plane as the Weimer model, the boundary condition plays another crucial role in determining the electron flux level in the inner region. When the boundary flux spectra based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model/empirical model deviate from the shape or magnitude of the observed distribution function, the simulation produces poor skill scores along Van Allen Probes orbits. Yu, Yiqun; ätter, Lutz; Jordanova, Vania; Zheng, Yihua; Engel, Miles; Fok, Mei-Ching; Kuznetsova, Maria; Published by: Space Weather Published on: 02/2019 YEAR: 2019 DOI: 10.1029/2018SW002031 GEM challenge; IMCEPI Focus Group; ring current model assessment; Space weather; spacecraft surface charging; Van Allen Probes |