HR: 10:55h
AN: SM52A-02 INVITED [Abstracts]
TI: Ground-based and Satellite Observational Constraints on Radiation Belt Dynamics
AU: * Mann, I R
EM: imann@phys.ualberta.ca
AF: University of Alberta, Mailstop 615,
Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada
AB:
Recent studies have provided a range of observational evidence in support of various wave-particle interactions
which may either drive the energisation of electrons to MeV energies in the Van Allen belts, or produce periods of
enhanced loss. Statistical correlations have provided evidence that periods of enhanced VLF/ELF and ULF wave
activity are associated with periods of enhanced MeV electron flux. Similarly, case studies have shown periods
where causality of the wave-particle acceleration process can be inferred in the time domain. Given the close
statistical relationship between the geomagnetic activity conditions which characterise intense intervals of both
ELF/VLF and ULF wave activity, careful time-domain studies are required to extract causality from the observed
correlations. I review observational studies which can be completed to look for signatures of competing wave
acceleration hypotheses, and which together with appropriate simulation can be used to distinguish the
dominant acceleration and loss processes which lead to observed radiation belt morphology. These archival
studies can be used as a science preparation and focus in advance of forthcoming inner magnetosphere
missions, such as the NASA RBSP mission and the CSA ORBITALS small satellite mission.
DE: 2730 Magnetosphere: inner
DE: 2772 Plasma waves and instabilities (2471)
DE: 2774 Radiation belts
DE: 2788 Magnetic storms and substorms (7954)
SC: SPA-Magnetospheric Physics [SM]
MN: 2007 Joint Assembly