Applying the cold plasma dispersion relation to whistler-mode waves

Abstract:

Cold plasma theory and parallel wave propagation are often assumed when approximating the magnetic field whistler-mode wave power from electric field observations. Analysis is presented which explores and quantifies these assumptions by using Van Allen Probes EMFISIS observations of the electric and magnetic wave field, in addition to the wave normal angle. Plasmaspheric hiss wave intensities are generally in good agreement with values calculated via this method, however the chorus wave power is consistently and systematically underestimated. Discrepancies between observed and calculated whistler-mode power spectra and wave powers are investigated as functions of measured frequency range and plasma density, with plasma-coupling effects identified and discussed.