The Properties and Wave Drivers of Energetic Electron Precipitation
Abstract
Energetic electron precipitation is a critical process both as a loss mechanism for trapped radiation belt particles in Earth's magnetosphere as well as an energy input to Earth's atmosphere. In particular, the spatial and temporal extents of precipitation events, as well as the energy spectra and precipitating fluxes, are necessary parameters for quantifying the role of precipitation in radiation belt and atmospheric dynamics. Utilizing measurements from low altitude spacecraft, including CubeSats, as well as balloons and ground-based observatories, we examine the spatial and temporal structure of various types of energetic electron (10s keV through multi-MeV) precipitation events, as well as their global and storm time distributions. Via statistical as well as event studies, we explore the nature and extent of energetic electron loss to the atmosphere as well as what electromagnetic wave modes may be causing it. The detailed types of wave-particle interactions and energy dependence of electron scattering are also investigated. These studies provide insight into the relationship between various magnetospheric electromagnetic waves and their interaction with and scattering of energetic electrons into Earth's atmosphere.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFMSM44A..06B
- Keywords:
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- 3369 Thermospheric dynamics;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3389 Tides and planetary waves;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 7829 Kinetic waves and instabilities;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICSDE: 7836 MHD waves and instabilities;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICS