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  • The Outer Radiation Belt Re...
    Bingham, S. T.; Mouikis, C. G.; Kistler, L. M.; Boyd, A. J.; Paulson, K.; Farrugia, C. J.; Huang, C. L.; Spence, H. E.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Kletzing, C.

    Journal of geophysical research. Space physics, December 2018, 2018-12-00, 20181201, Letnik: 123, Številka: 12
    Journal Article

    Gyroresonant wave‐particle interactions with very low frequency whistler mode chorus waves can accelerate subrelativistic seed electrons (hundreds of keV) to relativistic energies in the outer radiation belt during geomagnetic storms. In this study, we conduct a superposed epoch analysis of the chorus wave activity, the seed electron development, and the outer radiation belt electron response between L* = 2.5 and 5.5, for 25 coronal mass ejection and 35 corotating interaction region storms using Van Allen Probes observations. Electron data from the Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer and Relativistic Electron Proton Telescope instruments are used to monitor the storm‐phase development of the seed and relativistic electrons, and magnetic field measurements from the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science instrument are used to identify the chorus wave activity. Our results show a deeper (lower L*), stronger (higher flux), and earlier (epoch time) average seed electron enhancement and a resulting greater average radiation belt electron enhancement in coronal mass ejection storms compared to the corotating interaction region storms despite similar levels and lifetimes of average chorus wave activity for the two storm drivers. The earlier and deeper seed electron enhancement during the coronal mass ejection storms, likely driven by greater convection and substorm activity, provides a higher probability for local acceleration. These results emphasize the importance of the timing and the level of the seed electron enhancements in radiation belt dynamics. Key Points Van Allen Probes statistical study of seed electrons and chorus activity during CME and CIR storms Seed electrons have a stronger, earlier, and deeper penetrating average enhancement during CME‐driven storms than CIR‐driven storms A greater occurrence of radiation belt enhancements is observed during CME‐driven storms than CIR‐driven storms