Source of Radiation Belt Electrons

Investigator(s):

Xinlin Li (PI)

Sponsor:

University of Colorado at Boulder, CO 80309 3034926221

Start Date/Expiration Date

2003-02-01 to 2006-01-31 (amended 2005-03-15)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$258,730

Abstract: The source of the highly energetic electrons in the out radiation belt has remained a mystery. A model explaining the origin of the electrons through inward radial diffusion has been utilized to successfully explain many features of the radiation belt but the model requires a source of electrons with a high phase space density which must lie outside the radiation belt region. The radial transport model assumes that the first and (usually) the second adiabatic invariants are conserved, but the third is not. This implies that electrons must be transported inward from a region of higher phase space density. This project will utilize data from the Polar, Wind, SAMPEX and Los Alamos satellites to determine where that source region is and how it varies with solar wind conditions. The radial transport model will then be utilized to quantify the electron energization and compare the process with other competing processes such as localized heating by waves and recirculation.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0233302

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Kile B. Baker
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

5750