Van Allen Probes Multipoint Measurements of the Spatial and Coherence Scales of EMIC Waves

Abstract:

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are able to resonate with MeV electrons and cause precipitation loss of radiation belt electrons. EMIC waves can provide a strong source of electron pitch angle diffusion, but the waves are often quite localized – thus the spatial extents of these waves can have a large effect on their overall scattering efficiency. Using measurements from the Van Allen Probes, we characterize the spatial extents of EMIC wave active regions, and how these depend on local time, radial distance, and driver. As the separation between the spacecraft along the orbital track varies in time, with one spacecraft lapping the other every ~70 days, we can determine the correlation between EMIC wave measurements at varying spacecraft separations. During individual events at close approaches (Jan 17 2013, for example - see attached figure), analysis of the detailed wave properties and coherence is performed. These studies provide important information on parameters relevant for determining resonance of EMIC waves with radiation belt electrons.