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Abstract We perform a comprehensive investigation of the statistical distribution of outer belt electron acceleration events over energies from 300 keV to ∼10 MeV regardless of storm activity using 6‐years of observations from Van Allen Probes. We find that the statistical properties of acceleration events are consistent with the characteristic energies of combined local acceleration by chorus waves and inward radial diffusion. While electron acceleration events frequently occur both at <2 MeV atL < 4.0 and at multi‐MeV atL > 4.5, significant acceleration events are confined toL > ∼4.0. By performing superposed epoch analysis of acceleration events during storm and non/weak storm events and comparing their geomagnetic conditions, we reveal the strong correlation (>0.8) between accumulated impacts of substorms as measured by time‐integrated AL (Int(AL)) and the upper flux limit of electron acceleration. While intense storms can provide favorable conditions for efficient acceleration, they are not necessarily required to produce large maximum fluxes.
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Radiation Belt Electron Acceleration Inside the Plasmasphere
Abstract We report a new population of outer belt electron acceleration events ranging from hundreds of keV to ∼1.5 MeV that occurred inside the plasmasphere, which we named “Inside Events” (IEs). Based on 6 year observations from Van Allen Probes, we compare the statistical distributions of IEs with electron acceleration events outside the plasmasphere (OEs). We find that most IEs were observed atL < 4.0 at energies below ∼1.5 MeV, with weaker acceleration ratio (<10) and larger event numbers (peaking value reaching >200), compared to stronger but less frequently occurred (peaking event numbers only reaching ∼80) OEs that were mostly observed atL > 4.0. The evolution of electron phase space density of a typical IE shows signature of inward radial diffusion or transport. Our study provides a feasible mechanism for IE, which is the results of the inward radial transport of the electron acceleration in the outer region of outer belt.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2247255
- PAR ID:
- 10573610
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Volume:
- 52
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 0094-8276
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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