Radiation belt electron losses induced by wave-particle interactions

  • Published : 2009.10.15

Abstract

We examine cyclotron resonant interactions of radiation belt electrons with VLF chorus, plasmaspheric ELF hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. Bounce-averaged diffusion rates depend on wave mode, equatorial pitch-angle, electron energy and L-shell. As well, diffusion rates can be sensitive to the latitudinal distributions of particle density and wave power. For different configurations of the plasmasphere, we calculate electron precipitation loss timescales due to combined scattering by VLF chorus, ELF hiss and EMIC waves.

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