Statistical study of the propagation characteristics of whistler waves observed on Cluster

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

[2772] Magnetospheric Physics / Plasma Waves And Instabilities, [2774] Magnetospheric Physics / Radiation Belts, [6939] Radio Science / Magnetospheric Physics

Scientific paper

VLF waves play a crucial role in the dynamics of the radiation belts, being responsible for loss and energization of energetic electrons. Modelling of wave-particle interactions requires the best possible knowledge of how the wave energy and wave-normal directions are distributed in L-shells and magnetic latitudes for different magnetic activity conditions. We perform a statistical study of VLF emissions in a whistler frequency range using nine years (2001-2009) of Cluster measurements. We use data from the STAFF-SA experiment which covers frequency range from 8.8 Hz up to 3.56 kHz. We show that the wave energy distributions have two maxima around 4,5 < L < 6 and L > 2. We find that the wave-normals are directed approximately along B in the vicinity of the geomagnetic equator. The distribution changes with the magnetic latitude, and at latitudes ~ 30 degrees the wave normals distribution has its maximum close to nearly perpendicular to B. The observed angular distribution is significantly different from the Gaussian and the width of the distribution increases with the latitude. As the resonance conditions for wave-particle interaction depends on the wave normal orientation, our results demonstrate that due to the observed change of the wave normal direction with latitude the most efficient particle diffusion due to wave-particle interaction should occur in a limited region around the geomagnetic equator.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Statistical study of the propagation characteristics of whistler waves observed on Cluster does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Statistical study of the propagation characteristics of whistler waves observed on Cluster, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Statistical study of the propagation characteristics of whistler waves observed on Cluster will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1890664

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.