Abstract
The geomagnetic field has an unusual weak spot over South America and
the South Atlantic Ocean, called South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA). The
magnetospheric particles trapped in this field penetrate deep into the
atmosphere over the SAA resulting in lower inner boundary of the
radiation belt. Over the past 400 years, the magnetic field in the SAA
region has decreased consistently. This study shows that the weakened
geomagnetic field has a bearing on the position of the inner boundary of
the radiation belt. The present simulation revealed that the inner
boundary of the radiation belt over the SAA region is moving earthward
at the rate of 4.1$\pm$0.1 km/year and that earthward
penetration of energetic particles has increased by
$\approx$480 km during period 1900-2020. If the
geomagnetic field in the SAA region continues to decrease, the resulting
deepening of the radiation belt will pose increased risks to our
satellites, life, and climate.