Electron number density, temperature, and energy density at GEO and links to the solar wind: A simple predictive capability. Issue 6 (18th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartley, D. P.; Denton, M. H.; Rodriguez, J. V.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 119:Issue 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 4556
• Page End: 4571
• Publication Date: 2014-06-18
• Subjects: geosynchronous orbit -- radiation belt -- energetic electrons -- GOES -- MAGED -- energy density; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2014JA019779
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Many authors have studied the outer radiation belts response to different solar wind drivers, with the majority investigating electron flux variations. Using partial moments (electron number density, temperature, and energy density) from GOES‐13 during 2011 allows for changes in the number of electrons and the temperature of the electrons to be distinguished, which is not possible with the outputs of individual instrument channels. This study aims to produce a coarse predictive capability of the partial moments from GOES‐13 by determining which solar wind conditions exhibit the strongest relationship with electron variations at GEO. Investigating how the electron distribution at GEO is affected by fluctuations in this primary driver, both instantaneous and time delayed, allows for this to be achieved. These predictive functions are then tested against data from 2012. It is found that using solely the solar wind velocity as a driver results in predicted values that accurately follow the general trend of the observed moments. This study is intended to make further progress in quantifying the relationship between the solar wind and electron number density, temperature, and energy density at GEO. Our results provide a coarse predictive capability of these quantities that can be expanded upon in future studies to incorporate other solar wind drivers to improve accuracy. Key Points: Solar wind velocity is the primary driver of electron variations at GEO Number and energy density and temperature are subject to vsw‐dependent lower limits A coarse predictive capability is obtained using solely this input parameter