Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001agufmsm32a0810g&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2001, abstract #SM32A-0810
Physics
2704 Auroral Phenomena (2407), 7807 Charged Particle Motion And Acceleration, 7843 Numerical Simulation Studies, 7867 Wave/Particle Interactions
Scientific paper
Recently, thanks to Particle in Cell simulations, we have laid down the basis of a new mechanism which enables to explain common features associated with particle acceleration in auroral regions. It has been shown that the formation of the parallel electric field required for the acceleration is consecutive to the propagation of an incoming Alfvén wave in a density cavity, both elements often encountered by auroral spacecraft. Here we investigate how the basic parameters of this interaction influence the efficiency of the electron acceleration and of the wave dissipation. The amplitude and wavelength of the incoming wave as well as the value of the density gradient (1/n∂ n/∂ x, where x is the distance perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field) play a major role, but it appears that the width of the cavity is also preponderant in the case of very thin cavities which scale with the ion Larmor radius. Finally, we are able to determine global wave dissipation rates which are consistent with those required to explain particle acceleration in auroral regions. These PIC simulations suggest that the perpendicular density gradients corresponding to the auroral plasma cavities play an important role in the particle acceleration and the small-scale structure of auroral regions. A large range of phenomena encountered in these regions are self-consistently reproduced by the simulations of the Alfvén wave/density gradient system.
Génot Vincent
Louarn Ph.
Mottez Fabrice
No associations
LandOfFree
Alfvén wave dissipation on density gradients: a parametric study 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 Alfvén wave dissipation on density gradients: a parametric study, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Alfvén wave dissipation on density gradients: a parametric study will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1384460