Explaining the dynamics of the ultra-relativistic third Van Allen radiation belt

Mann, I. R., Ozeke, L. G., Murphy, K. R., Claudepierre, S. G., Turner, D. L., Baker, D. N., Rae, Jonathan, Kale, A., Milling, D. K., Boyd, A. J., Spence, H. E., Reeves, G. D., Singer, H. J., Dimitrakoudis, S., Daglis, I. A. and Honary, F. (2016) Explaining the dynamics of the ultra-relativistic third Van Allen radiation belt. Nature Physics, 12 (10). pp. 978-983. ISSN 1745-2473

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys3799

Abstract

Since the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts over 50 years ago, an explanation for their complete dynamics has remained elusive. Especially challenging is understanding the recently discovered ultra-relativistic third electron radiation belt. Current theory asserts that loss in the heart of the outer belt, essential to the formation of the third belt, must be controlled by high-frequency plasma wave–particle scattering into the atmosphere, via whistler mode chorus, plasmaspheric hiss, or electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves. However, this has failed to accurately reproduce the third belt. Using a data-driven, time-dependent specification of ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves we show for the first time how the third radiation belt is established as a simple, elegant consequence of storm-time extremely fast outward ULF wave transport. High-frequency wave–particle scattering loss into the atmosphere is not needed in this case. When rapid ULF wave transport coupled to a dynamic boundary is accurately specified, the sensitive dynamics controlling the enigmatic ultra-relativistic third radiation belt are naturally explained.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Magnetospheric physics, Astrophysical plasmas
Subjects: F300 Physics
Department: Faculties > Engineering and Environment > Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Depositing User: Rachel Branson
Date Deposited: 04 Aug 2020 13:07
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 12:04
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/43971

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