Documents

DOI

This work addresses radial transport of outer radiation belt electrons due to ULF disturbances of geomagnetic field. A new approach to calculating inductive electric field is developed and implemented using a dynamical model of the
storm-time geomagnetic field. The approach is used to analyze the effects associated with solar wind dynamic pressure (Pdyn). It is found that Pdyn produces large-scale electric fields with maximum intensity at noon and midnight local time. Derived fields are used in test particle calculations of relativistic electron dynamics. The results show that even moderate oscillations of Pdyn typical for quiet-time magnetosphere can result in rapid electron scattering across the drift shells, which identifies Pdyn as one of the primary mechanisms of radial transport in the belt. Calculations show that electron motion is inconsistent with radial diffusion, and hence a more detailed description is required for accurate predictions of electron fluxes in the belt.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberL06111
Number of pages4
JournalGeophysical Research Letters
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

    Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)
  • Environmental Science(all)

    Research areas

  • solar wind, radiation belt, ULF emissions

ID: 5073245