Dynamics of energetic plasma sheet electrons.

摘要

The dynamics of energetic plasma sheet electrons plays an important role in many geomagnetic processes. The intent of this thesis is to extend the current understanding of the relationship between the solar wind and energetic plasma sheet electrons (∼> 40 keV), as well as the variability of these electrons within the plasma sheet. The statistical relationship between tens of keV plasma sheet electrons and the solar wind, as well as > 2 MeV geosynchronous electrons, is investigated, using plasma sheet measurements from Cluster (2001 - 2005) and Geotail (1998 - 2005), and concurrent solar wind measurements from ACE. Statistically, plasma sheet electron flux variations are compared to solar wind velocity, density, dynamic pressure, IMF Bz, and solar wind energetic electrons, as well as > 2 MeV electrons at geosynchronous orbit. Several new results are revealed: (1) there is a strong positive correlation between energetic plasma sheet electrons and solar wind velocity; (2) this correlation is valid throughout the plasma sheet and extends to distances of XGSM=-30 RE; (3) there is evidence of a weak negative correlation between energetic plasma sheet electrons and solar wind density; (4) energetic plasma sheet electrons are enhanced during times of southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF); (5) there is no clear correlation between energetic plasma sheet electrons and solar wind electrons of comparable energies; and (6) there is a strong correlation between energetic electrons in the plasma sheet and > 2 MeV electrons at geosynchronous orbit measured 2 days later. In addition, the variability of energetic electron fluxes within the plasma sheet is explored. Interesting events were found using a combination of automated methods and visual inspection. Events are classified into 4 main types: (1) plasma sheet empty of energetic electrons; (2) decreasing plasma sheet energetic electron fluxes; (3) increasing plasma sheet energetic electron fluxes; and (4) sharp (rising and falling) variations in plasma sheet energetic electron fluxes during a single plasma sheet crossing. Case studies are presented for each type of event. The time it takes to fill/empty the plasma sheet of energetic electrons is quantified based on these events. Extreme events, most of which are associated with enhanced geomagnetic activity, showed that energetic electrons in the plasma sheet can vary up to several orders of magnitude. Interestingly, the energetic electron fluxes inside the plasma sheet can still undergo rapid variations when the solar wind is calm and geomagnetic activity is low.