Phase Space Density Analysis of Outer Radiation Belt Electron
Energization and Loss during Geoeffective and Nongeoeffective Sheath
Regions
Abstract
Coronal mass ejection driven sheath regions are one of the key drivers
of drastic outer radiation belt responses. The response can however be
significantly different based on the sheath properties and associated
inner magnetospheric wave activity. We performed here two case studies
on the effects of sheaths on outer belt electrons of various energies
using data from the Van Allen Probes. One sheath caused a major
geomagnetic disturbance and the other one had only a minor impact. We
especially investigated phase space density of high-energy electrons to
determine the dominant energization and loss processes taking place
during the events. Both sheaths produced substantial variation in the
electron fluxes from tens of kiloelectronvolts up to ultrarelativistic
energies. The responses were however almost the opposite: the
geoeffective sheath led to enhancement, while the nongeoeffective one
caused a depletion throughout most of the outer belt. The case studies
highlight that both inward and outward radial transport driven by
ultra-low frequency waves, combined with compression of the
magnetopause, played an important role in governing electron dynamics
during these sheaths. Chorus waves also likely caused a local peak in
phase space density, leading to the energization of the
ultrarelativistic population during the geoeffective event. The
occurrence of chorus waves was based on measurements of precipitating
and trapped fluxes by low-altitude Polar Operational Environmental
Satellites. The distinct responses and different mechanisms in action
during these events are related to differing levels of substorm activity
and timing of the peaked solar wind dynamic pressure in the sheaths.