Statistical analysis of whistler wave properties and spatial distribution in foreshock transients

Whistler waves have been shown in case studies to effectively scatter electrons in foreshock transients, and therefore could be important for trapping electrons in the cores of such transients and enabling their Fermi-acceleration to high energies (a few hundred keV). Energetic electrons at the foreshock can be an important source of radiation belt electrons if they can enter through the magnetospheric boundary and radially diffuse to lower altitudes. Such processes are also important at other planetary and astrophysical objects. Scattering of electrons by whistlers in foreshock transients has not been explored statistically, to confirm the generality of the aforementioned findings. In this study, we used MMS observations to examine key whistler wave properties (frequency range, amplitude, and wave normal angle), whistler wave spatial distribution, and the range of electron resonant energies. We will thus determine if these whistler wave properties favor electron scattering and thus if whistlers can contribute to electron Fermi-acceleration in foreshock transients.