Observations and Simulations of Whistler Waves in Earth's Radiation Belts

Abstract:

In late 2014, a cluster of whistler waves localized within prominent density enhancements was observed by the Van Allen Probes in the nightside magnetosphere. The most powerful waves lasted approximately thirteen minutes, occurred thirty minutes apart, and were accompanied by increased particle acceleration throughout the region. In order to properly simulate the waves we first establish their characteristics using data from the Van Allen Probes, primarily from the EMFISIS instrument. Next, we incorporate the conditions and location in which the waves occurred into a mathematical model, that in turn is used to provide an accurate simulation. Such simulations will allow a closer and more analytical study of how whistler waves become trapped in density ducts. This research will also advance our understanding of how we can use these waves to remove energetic particles from Earth’s radiation belts.