Dispersive Alfvén Wave Control of O+ Ion Outflow and Energy Densities in the Inner Magnetosphere

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-16-2019

Abstract

The relationship between dispersive Alfvén waves (DAWs), magnetospheric activity, and O+ ion outflow/energy density is examined using measurements from the Van Allen Probes. We show that correlated DAW activity and O+ outflow/energization is a characteristic feature of the inner magnetosphere during active conditions and during storms persists for several hours over large L-shell and azimuthal ranges of the plasma sheet. Though enhanced during substorm and storm active periods, these correlated features are most intense during geomagnetic storms. Comparisons show a linear relationship between DAW electric (and magnetic) field energy density and outflowing O+ energy. Statistical measurements from a large number of storms also reveal a linear relationship between DAW energy density and gross enhancements in energetic O+ energy densities. These observations support the notion that DAWs play an important role in the energization of O+ ions into and within the inner magnetosphere.

Identifier

85070980350 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Geophysical Research Letters

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GL083808

e-ISSN

19448007

ISSN

00948276

First Page

8597

Last Page

8606

Issue

15

Volume

46

Grant

NAS5-01072

Fund Ref

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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