Using Quasilinear Diffusion to Model Acceleration and Loss
From Wave-Particle Interactions
J. M. Albert
Space Weather 2, S09S03,
doi:10.1029/2004SW000069 (2004)
Abstract
Current research has reemphasized the importance of cyclotron resonant
wave particle interactions for radiation belt electrons. Whistler mode hiss,
chorus, and EMIC waves can act in combination to cause acceleration and
loss of radiation belt electrons at greater rates than previously appreciated.
These processes can be described by quasi-linear theory, but calculating
quasi-linear diffusion coefficients is computationally demanding.
Recent advances have been made in computing bounce averaged quasilinear pitch
angle, energy, and mixed diffusion coefficients for hiss and EMIC
in the high density plasmasphere; this paper outlines generalization of
these techniques for chorus waves,
prevalent in the low density region outside the plasmasphere.
These coefficients are associated with a two-dimensional diffusion equation
whose numerical solution by finite differencing methods requires care,
for reasons having to do with the relation between the mixed and other
diffusion coefficients, as discussed.
Return to publication list