Timescales of relativistic electron enhancements in the slot region

We present two event studies of significant enhancements of relativistic electron flux in the slot region of Earth's radiation belts during storms, using electron measurements from the Akebono spacecraft at high altitudes and NOAA 15, 16, 17, and 18 at low altitudes. These flux enhancements tak...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics 2006-11, Vol.111 (A11), p.n/a
Main Authors: Nagai, T., Yukimatu, A. S., Matsuoka, A., Asai, K. T., Green, J. C., Onsager, T. G., Singer, H. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
energetic particles
Exact sciences and technology
inner magnetosphere
the radiation belts
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Summary:We present two event studies of significant enhancements of relativistic electron flux in the slot region of Earth's radiation belts during storms, using electron measurements from the Akebono spacecraft at high altitudes and NOAA 15, 16, 17, and 18 at low altitudes. These flux enhancements take place during the main phase of storms, and occur rapidly on timescales of less than 60 min. In association with storm time substorms, the magnetic field at geosynchronous altitude becomes highly stretched, intensifies, and then returns to a more dipolar configuration. The flux enhancements in the slot region are likely associated with these large changes in the nightside magnetic field configuration. The observations imply that rapid particle acceleration and/or transport processes operate in the inner (L < 3) magnetosphere in association with large substorms during the main phase of a storm.
ISSN:0148-0227
2156-2202
DOI:10.1029/2006JA011837