Polarimetry of Lightning-driven VLF Waves in the Near-equatorial Plasmasphere, Using VEFI Electric-field payload on C/NOFS Satellite

We report on measurements of wave polarization in the VLF, 1-16 kHz at L < 1.4, using the Vector Electric Field Instrument payload on the Communications/Navigation Outage Forecast System satellite. In addition to the usual, and expected, right-hand-circular electron whistlers, we often observe waves with unexpected polarization (very eccentric right-hand elliptical) over much of the band. The mechanism of these waves is unclear and will be discussed. Another observed departure from electron whistlers is the frequent occurrence of nearly linear-polarized disorganized waves associated with the lower-hybrid frequency, as has been well documented elsewhere. The wave polarization may be relevant to estimates of the role of lightning-driven VLF waves' effect on the radiation belts and other plasmaspheric features.