The “SafeSpace” database of ULF power spectral density and radial diffusion coefficients: dependencies and application to simulations
Open Access
- 10 June 2022
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Copernicus GmbH in Annales Geophysicae
- Vol. 40 (3), 379-393
- https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-379-2022
Abstract
Radial diffusion has been established as one of the most important mechanisms contributing to both the acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt, as well as to the supply of particles to the inner radiation belt. In the framework of the “SafeSpace” project, we have used 9 years (2011–2019) of multi-point magnetic and electric field measurements from THEMIS A, D and E satellites to create a database of radial diffusion coefficients (DLL) and ultra-low-frequency (ULF) wave power spectral densities (PSDs) spanning an L∗ range from 3 to 8. In this work we investigate the dependence of the DLL on the various solar wind parameters, geomagnetic indices and coupling functions, as well as the L-shell, during the solar cycle 24. Moreover, we discuss the uncertainties introduced on the estimation of DLL time series by the partial azimuthal coverage provided by in situ measurements. Furthermore, we investigate, via a superposed analysis, the dependence of the DLL on solar wind drivers. We show, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, that the interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME)-driven disturbances accompanied by high solar wind pressure values combined with intense magnetospheric compression can produce values comparable to or even greater than the ones of . This feature cannot be captured by semi-empirical models and introduces a significant energy dependence on the DLL. Finally, we show the advantages of using DLL time series by means of numerical simulations of relativistic electron fluxes performed with the Salammbô code and significant deviations in the predictions of several semi-empirical models depending on the level of geomagnetic activity and L-shell.
Keywords
Funding Information
- Horizon 2020
This publication has 60 references indexed in Scilit:
- Radial distributions of equatorial phase space density for outer radiation belt electronsGeophysical Research Letters, 2012
- Explaining sudden losses of outer radiation belt electrons during geomagnetic stormsNature Physics, 2012
- Dropouts of the outer electron radiation belt in response to solar wind stream interfaces: global positioning system observationsProceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 2010
- International Radiation Belt Environment Modelling LibrarySpace Research Today, 2009
- Acceleration and loss of relativistic electrons during geomagnetic stormsGeophysical Research Letters, 2003
- Resonant acceleration and diffusion of outer zone electrons in an asymmetric geomagnetic fieldJournal of Geophysical Research, 2003
- ULF waves in the solar wind as direct drivers of magnetospheric pulsationsGeophysical Research Letters, 2002
- Magnetopause location under extreme solar wind conditionsJournal of Geophysical Research, 1998
- A three‐dimensional analysis of the electron radiation belt by the Salammbô codeJournal of Geophysical Research, 1995
- Sampling Theory and Wave PropagationPublished by Springer Science and Business Media LLC ,1983