Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996jgr...10119745s&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 101, Issue A9, p. 19745-19758
Physics
Plasma Physics
23
Magnetospheric Physics: Energetic Particles, Trapped, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetosphere-Inner, Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetospheric Configuration And Dynamics, Space Plasma Physics: Charged Particle Motion And Acceleration
Scientific paper
Nuclear interactions between inner zone protons and atoms in the upper atmosphere produce energetic H and He nuclei that are an additional radiation belt source. We calculate production rates of these isotopes from models of the inner zone proton intensity, the upper atmosphere drift-averaged composition and densities, and cross sections for the various interaction processes. For comparison with observations of radiation belt H and He isotopes, the production rates are combined with a model of the energy loss rate in the residual atmosphere to calculate particle intensities. Although the calculations are in principle straightforward, they depend on a detailed knowledge of the various model inputs, including models for radiation belt protons, and may also depend on the phase of the solar cycle. On the other hand, the results of the calculations, when compared with the observational data, can provide useful tests of the model inputs. Initial results show that the atmosphere is a significant source for inner zone 4He, 3He, and 2H.
Mewaldt Richard A.
Selesnick Richard S.
No associations
LandOfFree
Atmospheric production of radiation belt light isotopes 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 Atmospheric production of radiation belt light isotopes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Atmospheric production of radiation belt light isotopes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-994169