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Superfast precipitation of energetic electrons in the radiation belts of the Earth

Space Sciences

Superfast precipitation of energetic electrons in the radiation belts of the Earth

X. Zhang, A. Artemyev, et al.

Discover the groundbreaking study by Xiao-Jia Zhang and colleagues that uncovers how ~100 keV electron precipitation from Earth's outer radiation belt not only heats the upper atmosphere but often surpasses classical predictions. This 'superfast' precipitation, driven by nonlinear interactions with intense plasma waves, opens up new avenues for understanding radiation belt models and space-atmosphere dynamics.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Energetic electron precipitation from Earth's outer radiation belt heats the upper atmosphere and alters its chemical properties. This study shows, using low-altitude satellite observations, that ~100 keV electron precipitation rates often exceed the upper limit predicted by classical quasi-linear theory. This "superfast" precipitation is attributed to nonlinear electron interactions with intense plasma waves, a factor not previously incorporated in radiation belt models. The high occurrence rate of superfast precipitation suggests its importance for modeling both radiation belt fluxes and space-atmosphere coupling.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Mar 25, 2022
Authors
Xiao-Jia Zhang, Anton Artemyev, Vassilis Angelopoulos, Ethan Tsai, Colin Wilkins, Satoshi Kasahara, Didier Mourenas, Shoichiro Yokota, Kunihiro Keika, Tomoaki Hori, Yoshizumi Miyoshi, Iku Shinohara, Ayako Matsuoka
Tags
electron precipitation
radiation belt
upper atmosphere
plasma waves
nonlinear interactions
space-atmosphere coupling

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