Observation of relativistic electron microbursts in conjunction with intense radiation belt whistler-mode waves

TL;DR

This study provides multi-satellite evidence linking intense whistler-mode waves in the radiation belts to relativistic electron microbursts, supported by simulations indicating nonlinear wave-particle interactions cause rapid electron scattering.

Contribution

It demonstrates a direct correlation between large amplitude whistler-mode waves and relativistic electron precipitation using multi-satellite observations and simulation validation.

Findings

Strong correlation between whistler-mode waves and electron microbursts.

Intense wave amplitudes exceeding 300 mV/m observed.

Simulations support nonlinear wave-particle interactions causing rapid scattering.

Abstract

We present multi-satellite observations indicating a strong correlation between large amplitude radiation belt whistler-mode waves and relativistic electron precipitation. On separate occasions during the Wind petal orbits and STEREO phasing orbits, Wind and STEREO recorded intense whistler-mode waves in the outer nightside equatorial radiation belt with peak-to-peak amplitudes exceeding 300 mV/m. During these intervals of intense wave activity, SAMPEX recorded relativistic electron microbursts in near magnetic conjunction with Wind and STEREO. The microburst precipitation exhibits a bursty temporal structure similar to that of the observed large amplitude wave packets, suggesting a connection between the two phenomena. Simulation studies corroborate this idea, showing that nonlinear wave--particle interactions may result in rapid energization and scattering on timescales comparable to those of the impulsive relativistic electron precipitation.