Electron Nonlinear Scattering and Acceleration by Intense Whistler Wave Packets
Abstract
Electron resonant interactions with whistler-mode waves have long been considered as one of the most important drivers for the radiation belt dynamics. There exist two main, but competing theories about this interaction: the quasi-linear theory of electron scattering by low-amplitude waves and the nonlinear theory of electron resonant trapping and phase bunching. Both concepts have successfully explained certain aspects of the wave-particle interaction, but time-scales of the relativistic electron acceleration as predicted by them are significantly different. In this study, we examine electron scattering and acceleration by realistic whistler wave packets and compare the efficiency of quasi-linear and nonlinear resonant interactions. We use realistic wave-packet properties from observations, which include random wave frequency variations. These properties can reduce the efficiency of nonlinear resonant interaction and possibly match the predictions from two types of models. We combine the near-equatorial spacecraft (THEMIS and Van Allen Probes) observations and theoretical models to predict precipitating electron fluxes. We also discuss low-altitude observations of energetic electron precipitations by ELFIN CubeSats, which provide a unique opportunity to verify the model.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1164Z