Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2023-6
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-2023-6
28 Feb 2023
 | 28 Feb 2023
Status: a revised version of this preprint was accepted for the journal ANGEO and is expected to appear here in due course.

Relativistic Kinematic Effects in the Interaction Time of Whistler-Mode Chorus Waves and Electrons in the Outer Radiation Belt

Livia R. Alves, Marcio E. S. Alves, Ligia A. da Silva, Vinicius Deggeroni, Paulo R. Jauer, and David G. Sibeck

Abstract. Whistler-mode chorus waves propagate outside the plasmasphere. As they interact with energetic electrons in the outer radiation belt electrons, the phase space density distribution can change due to energy or pitch angle diffusion. Calculating the wave-particle interaction time is crucial to estimate the particle’s energy or pitch angle change efficiently. Although the wave and particle velocities are a fraction of the speed of light, in calculating the interaction time, the special relativistic effects are often misleading, incomplete, or simply unconsidered. In this work, we derive an equation for the wave-particle interaction time considering the special relativity kinematic effect. We solve the equation considering typical magnetospheric plasma parameters, and compare the results with the non-relativistic calculations. Besides, we apply the methodology and the equation to calculate the interaction time for one wave cycle in four case studies. We consider wave-particle resonance conditions for chorus waves propagating at any wave normal angle in a dispersive and cold plasma. We use Van Allen Probes for in situ measurements of the relevant wave parameters for the calculation, the ambient magnetic field, and energetic electron flux under quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions. Thus, we use a test particle approach to calculate the interaction time for parallel and oblique propagating waves. Also, we evaluate the variation of pitch angle scattering for relativistic electrons interacting with whistler-mode chorus waves propagating parallel to the ambient magnetic field. If the relativistic effects are not taken into account, the interaction time can be ∼ 30 % lower for quiet periods and a half lower for disturbed periods. As a consequence, the change in pitch angle is also underestimated. Besides, the longest interaction time occurs at wave-particle interaction with high pitch angle electrons, with energy ∼ 100′ s  of keV, interacting with quasi-parallel propagating waves. Additionally, the change in pitch angle depends on the time of interaction, and similar discrepancies can be found when the time is calculated with no special relativity consideration. The results described here have several implications for modeling relativistic outer radiation belt electron flux resulting from the wave-particle interaction. Finally, since we considered only one wave-cycle interaction, the average result from some interactions can bring more confident results in the final flux modeling.

Livia R. Alves et al.

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on angeo-2023-6', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Mar 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Livia R. Alves, 10 May 2023
      • AC3: 'Reply on AC2', Livia R. Alves, 17 Aug 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on angeo-2023-6', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Mar 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Livia R. Alves, 10 May 2023

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on angeo-2023-6', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Mar 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Livia R. Alves, 10 May 2023
      • AC3: 'Reply on AC2', Livia R. Alves, 17 Aug 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on angeo-2023-6', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Mar 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Livia R. Alves, 10 May 2023

Livia R. Alves et al.

Livia R. Alves et al.

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Short summary
We derive, for whistler mode chorus waves and relativistic electrons, the wave-particle interaction time (IT) equation considering the effects of the special relativity theory. Results show that IT has a non-linear dependence on the wave group velocity, electrons' energy, and initial pitch angle. The IT can be ~ 50 % lower for disturbed periods. The change in pitch angle is also underestimated. Our results provide subsidies to improve the outer radiation belt electron flux variation modeling.