ScholarLens Back to search
2021•Geophysical Research LettersRequires access

Multi‐MeV Electron Dynamics Near the Inner Edge of the Outer Radiation Belt

Benjamin Hogan, Xinlin Li, Hong Wei Zhao, Leng Ying Khoo, A. N. Jaynes, S. G. Kanekal, J. B. Blake, D. N. Baker

Open publisher page 7 citations

Abstract

Abstract A variety of dynamic behavior of multi‐MeV electrons near the inner edge of the outer radiation belt has been revealed by detailed analysis of Van Allen Probes data. This study presents multi‐MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) using Van Allen Probes data during two strong geomagnetic storms to reveal their energy‐dependent dynamics in the outer belt, with dynamics occurring on timescales of hours to ∼1 week. Enhancements are shown down to L = 2.6, where ∼3 MeV electron populations are enhanced by an order of magnitude during one storm of study. Study of a second comparable storm shows rapid depletion of electron populations up to ∼7 MeV in the region 2.6 ≤ L ≤ 3. We also identify a local electron PSD peak at L ≈ 3 that slowly accumulates during quiet time and is rapidly depleted during an intense storm. Possible contributors to these dynamics are discussed.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

Abstract A variety of dynamic behavior of multi‐MeV electrons near the inner edge of the outer radiation belt has been revealed by detailed analysis of Van Allen Probes data. This study presents multi‐MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) using Van Allen Probes data during two strong geomagnetic storms to reveal their energy‐dependent dynamics in the outer belt, with dynamics occurring on timescales of hours to ∼1 week. Enhancements are shown down to L = 2.6, where ∼3 MeV electron populations are enhanced by an order of magnitude during one storm of study. Study of a second comparable storm shows rapid depletion of electron populations up to ∼7 MeV in the region 2.6 ≤ L ≤ 3. We also identify a local electron PSD peak at L ≈ 3 that slowly accumulates during quiet time and is rapidly depleted during an intense storm. Possible contributors to these dynamics are discussed.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 7 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

Abstract A variety of dynamic behavior of multi‐MeV electrons near the inner edge of the outer radiation belt has been revealed by detailed analysis of Van Allen Probes data. This study presents multi‐MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) using Van Allen Probes data during two strong geomagnetic storms to reveal their energy‐dependent dynamics in the outer belt, with dynamics occurring on timescales of hours to ∼1 week. Enhancements are shown down to L = 2.6, where ∼3 MeV electron populations are enhanced by an order of magnitude during one storm of study. Study of a second comparable storm shows rapid depletion of electron populations up to ∼7 MeV in the region 2.6 ≤ L ≤ 3. We also identify a local electron PSD peak at L ≈ 3 that slowly accumulates during quiet time and is rapidly depleted during an intense storm. Possible contributors to these dynamics are discussed.

Key concepts: Van Allen radiation belt, Van Allen Probes, Geomagnetic storm, Electron, Physics, Storm, Flux (metallurgy), Earth's magnetic field

Related papers

Related paper 1Related paper 2Related paper 3
Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Multi‐MeV Electron Dynamics Near the Inner Edge of the Outer Radiation Belt — Research Paper | ScholarLens