Prediction model for whistler chorus waves responsible for energetic electron acceleration and scattering

  • Published : 2013.10.08

Abstract

Whistler mode chorus waves, which are observed outside the plasmasphere of the Earth's magnetosphere, play a major role in accelerating and scattering energetic electrons in the radiation belts. In this study we developed a predicting scheme of the global distribution of chorus by using the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) satellite data. First, we determined global spatial distributions of chorus activity, and identified fit functions that best represent chorus intensities in specific L-MLT zones. Second, we determined the specific dependence of average chorus intensity on preceding solar wind conditions (e.g., solar wind speed, IMF Bz, energy coupling degree) as well as preceding geomagnetic states (as represented by AE, for example). Finally, we combined these two results to develop the predicting functions for the global distribution and intensity of chorus. Implementing these results in the radiation belt models should improve the local acceleration effect by chorus waves.

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