Bursty bulk flow turbulence as a source of energetic particles to the outer radiation belt
File(s)Ergun2022-GRL-Accepted.pdf (18.29 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Ergun, RE
Usanova, ME
Turner, DL
Stawarz, Julia
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
We report observations of a Bursty Bulk Flow (BBF) penetrating close to the outer edge of the radiation belt. The turbulent BBF braking region is characterized by ion velocity fluctuations, magnetic field (B) variations, and intense electric fields (E). In this event, energetic (>100 keV) electron and ion fluxes are appreciably enhanced. Importantly, fluctuations in energetic electrons and ions suggest local energization. Using correlation distances and other observed characteristics of turbulent E, test-particle simulations support local energization by E that favors higher-energy electrons and leads to an enhanced energetic shoulder and tail in the electron distributions. The energetic shoulder and tail could be amplified to MeV energies by adiabatic transport into the radiation belt where |B| is higher. This analysis suggests that turbulence generated by BBFs can, in part, supply energetic particles to the outer radiation belt and that turbulence can be a significant contributor to particle acceleration.
Date Issued
2022-06-16
Date Acceptance
2022-05-10
Citation
Geophysical Research Letters, 2022, 49 (11)
ISSN
0094-8276
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
49
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2022. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Sponsor
The Royal Society
Grant Number
URF\R1\201286
Subjects
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN e2022GL098113
Date Publish Online
2022-05-31