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Effect of the ionosphere on the interaction between ULF waves and radiation belt electrons
Author(s) -
Shah Asif,
Waters C. L.,
Sciffer M. D.,
Menk F. W.,
Lysak R. L.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: space physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9402
pISSN - 2169-9380
DOI - 10.1002/2015ja021379
Subject(s) - ionosphere , van allen radiation belt , magnetosphere , physics , earth's magnetic field , diffusion , geophysics , electron , conductivity , computational physics , substorm , atmospheric sciences , plasma , magnetic field , quantum mechanics
The diffusion and energization of electrons in the equatorial plane of Earth's magnetosphere by ULF waves under different ionosphere boundary conditions are examined. Using test‐particle simulations and considering intervals of weak geomagnetic activity, we find that the highest energization and minimum diffusion rates correspond to nightside ionosphere conditions. Conversely, the highest diffusion rates and minimum energization are seen for a perfectly reflecting ionosphere boundary. The maximum energies gained under dayside conditions, when Hall conductivity is included, are slightly greater than the maximum energy for similar conditions without Hall conductivity. The diffusion rates for dayside ionosphere conditions with only Pedersen conductivity are greater than the diffusion rates when Hall conductivity is included. These findings show that ULF wave‐particle interactions in Earth's magnetosphere depend on the ionosphere conductance.