HR: 10:20h
AN: SM21C-01 INVITED     [PDF]
TI: Accelerated electrons associated with Alfven waves
AU: * Andersson, L
EM: laila.andersson@lasp.colorado.edu
AF: LASP/CU, 1234 Innovation Drive, Boulder, CO 80303 United States
AB: Electron acceleration by inertial Alfven waves has been theoretical suggested for many years. Observations show that this acceleration process can produce some of the most intense auroral forms, particularly at the polar-cap boundary of the night side auroral oval. This acceleration processes, however are not routinely distinguished by optical observations. This talk reviews in-situ electron observations and will describe the difference in the optical signature from quasi-static acceleration in the upward current region (inverted-V), pitch angle scattered (diffuse) and dynamic accelerated (Alfven wave) electrons. From optical perspective it is hard but not impossible to distinguish the optical signatures. One of the problems is the life times of the emissions lines. To routinely analyze the optical trace of the processes presented above becomes difficult since most of the time more than one process is active at the same time. The presentation will focus on the possibilities to optically observe the dynamics and fine structure of the electron precipitation caused by Alfven waves and provides two-dimensional information about the dynamic processes.
DE: 2704 Auroral phenomena (2407)
SC: SPA - Magnetospheric Physics [SM]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting