The radial diffusion of trapped particles induced by fluctuating magnetospheric fields |
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Authors: | Martin Walt |
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Institution: | (1) Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory, 94304 Palo Alto, Calif., U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Small fluctuations in magnetospheric electric and magnetic fields lead to random changes in the radial positions of trapped
particles. The characteristics of this radial diffusion are described theoretically in terms of the statistical properties
of the field fluctuations, in particular the power spectra of the various spatial components. A large body of trapped particle
data demonstrates that diffusion with the predicted properties actually takes place. These data include the average radial
and energy distributions and the time variations in particle fluxes. This radial diffusion has a major influence on the structure
of the radiation belts; and since the net flow of particles is inward at most positions of the magnetosphere, the process
acts as a strong source of trapped particles. Further experiments are needed to establish the importance of this mechanism
relative to magnetic storm effects and to collective instabilities. |
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Keywords: | |
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