Relativistic electron losses by microbursts and their relationship to flux decay time scales
Abstract
Rapid fluctuations of electron fluxes on timescales of milliseconds have long been observed and have recently drawn attention as a major process of loss of relativistic electrons from the Earth's outer radiation belts. Studies suggest that recently observed large-amplitude whistler wave packets may be closely associated with electron precipitation microbursts.We study relativistic electron losses in the outer radiation belts by characterizing decay timescales at low altitudes and investigate their relationship to microbursts. We use data collected by SAMPEX, a low-Earth orbiting spacecraft in a highly inclined polar orbit to characterize electron flux decay timescales. The LICA,HILT and PET sensors onboard SAMPEX measure electrons in various integral and differential channels. Using high resolution measurements made by the HILT sensor we identify and quantify electron microburst characteristics. We report here on our investigations of the interconnection between flux decay times and microbursts both using case studies and on a statistical basis.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFMSM31C..04K
- Keywords:
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- 2716 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Energetic particles: precipitating;
- 2720 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Energetic particles: trapped;
- 2774 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Radiation belts