Abstract:

Relativistic electron microbursts, driven by interactions with whistler-mode chorus waves, are a key mechanism for electron loss from Earth’s outer radiation belt. These belts, consisting of high-energy charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, are crucial in shaping space weather and pose risks to satellite systems. Chorus waves, electromagnetic emissions originating in the magnetosphere, facilitate wave-particle interactions that lead to microburst precipitation.

In our recent works, we investigated microburst dynamics using both simulations and observational data. We showed how chorus wave characteristics govern the spatial scale and distribution of microbursts across different regions of the magnetosphere. Additionally, we explored the impact of density ducts in guiding chorus waves to high latitudes, enhancing electron precipitation.  Ongoing work extends this research by modeling the lifetime of relativistic electrons due to microburst-driven losses, comparing model predictions with direct microburst observations. These comparisons reveal that chorus waves can rapidly deplete the outer radiation belt, providing new insights into electron loss processes. Together, these studies deepen our understanding of the critical role chorus waves play in moderating the behavior of relativistic electrons, offering important advancements in radiation belt science.