Loss of Geosynchronous Relativistic Electrons By Emic Wave Scattering Under Quiet Geomagnetic Conditions

Abstract:

We have examined relativistic electron flux losses at geosynchronous orbit under quiet geomagnetic conditions. One 3-day period, from 11 to 13 October 2007, was chosen for analysis because geomagnetic conditions were very quiet (3-day average of Kp < 1), and significant losses of geosynchronous relativistic electrons were observed. During this interval, there was no geomagnetic storm activity. Thus, the loss processes associated with geomagnetic field modulations caused by ring current buildup can be excluded. The >2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit shows typical diurnal variations with a maximum near noon and a minimum near midnight for each day. The flux level of the daily variation significantly decreased from first day to third day for the 3-day period by a factor of >10. The total magnetic field strength (B_T) of the daily variation on the third day, however, is comparable to that on the first day. Unlike electron flux decreases, the flux of protons with energies between 0.8 and 4 MeV adiabatically responses to the daily variation of B_T. That is, there is no significant decrease of the proton flux when the electron flux decreases. During the interval of quiet geomagnetic conditions, well-defined electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves were detected at geosynchronous spacecraft. Low-altitude polar orbiting spacecraft observed the precipitation of energetic protons and relativistic electrons in the interval of EMIC waves enhancement. From these observations, we suggest that the EMIC waves at geosynchronous orbit cause pitch-angle scattering and electron loss to the atmosphere under quiet geomagnetic conditions.