Gradual diffusion and punctuated phase space density enhancements of highly relativistic electrons: Van Allen Probes observations

D. N Baker; A. N Jaynes; X Li; M. G Henderson; S. G Kanekal; G. D Reeves; H. E Spence; S. G Claudepierre; J. F Fennell; M. K Hudson; R. M Thorne; J. C Foster; P. J Erickson; D. M Malaspina; J. R Wygant; A Boyd; C. A Kletzing; A Drozdov; Y. Y Shprits

doi:10.1002/2013GL058942

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Gradual diffusion and punctuated phase space density enhancements of highly relativistic electrons: Van Allen Probes observations

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Gradual diffusion and punctuated phase space density enhancements of highly relativistic electrons: Van Allen Probes observations

D. N Baker, A. N Jaynes, X Li, M. G Henderson, S. G Kanekal, G. D Reeves, H. E Spence, S. G Claudepierre, J. F Fennell, M. K Hudson, …

Geophysical research letters, Vol.41(5), pp.1351-1358

03/16/2014

DOI: 10.1002/2013GL058942

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Abstract

The dual‐spacecraft Van Allen Probes mission has provided a new window into mega electron volt (MeV) particle dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts. Observations (up to E ~10 MeV) show clearly the behavior of the outer electron radiation belt at different timescales: months‐long periods of gradual inward radial diffusive transport and weak loss being punctuated by dramatic flux changes driven by strong solar wind transient events. We present analysis of multi‐MeV electron flux and phase space density (PSD) changes during March 2013 in the context of the first year of Van Allen Probes operation. This March period demonstrates the classic signatures both of inward radial diffusive energization and abrupt localized acceleration deep within the outer Van Allen zone (L ~4.0 ± 0.5). This reveals graphically that both “competing” mechanisms of multi‐MeV electron energization are at play in the radiation belts, often acting almost concurrently or at least in rapid succession. Key Points Clear observations to higher energy than ever before Precise detection of where and how acceleration takes place Provides “new eyes” on megaelectron Volt

radiation belt acceleration

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Title: Subtitle: Gradual diffusion and punctuated phase space density enhancements of highly relativistic electrons: Van Allen Probes observations
Creators: D. N Baker - University of Colorado Boulder
A. N Jaynes - University of Colorado Boulder
X Li - University of Colorado Boulder
M. G Henderson - Los Alamos National Laboratory
S. G Kanekal - Goddard Space Flight Center
G. D Reeves - Los Alamos National Laboratory
H. E Spence - University of New Hampshire
S. G Claudepierre - The Aerospace Corporation
J. F Fennell - The Aerospace Corporation
M. K Hudson - Dartmouth College
R. M Thorne - University of California, Los Angeles
J. C Foster - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
P. J Erickson - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
D. M Malaspina - University of Colorado Boulder
J. R Wygant - University of Minnesota
A Boyd - University of New Hampshire
C. A Kletzing - University of Iowa
A Drozdov - University of California, Los Angeles
Y. Y Shprits - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Geophysical research letters, Vol.41(5), pp.1351-1358
DOI: 10.1002/2013GL058942
ISSN: 0094-8276
eISSN: 1944-8007
Number of pages: 8
Grant note: JHU/APL (967399) NASA's prime (NAS5‐01072)
Language: English
Date published: 03/16/2014
Academic Unit: Physics and Astronomy; University College Courses
Record Identifier: 9984199856102771

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