Why Atmospheric Backscatter Is Important in the Formation of Electron Precipitation in the Diffuse Aurora. Issue 5 (21st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khazanov, George V.; Chen, Margaret W.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 126:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-21
• Subjects: diffuse aurora -- electron precipitation; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1029/2021JA029211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: In addition to wave particle scattering in the magnetosphere, atmospheric backscatter of magnetospheric electrons is an important process that contributes to the formation of the precipitated electrons in the region of diffuse aurora. Two magnetically conjugate regions are involved in a complex magnetosphere‐ionosphere (MI) particle and energy interplay. Based on synthesizing previous theoretical/modeling studies and experimental evidence, we demonstrate the need for improving the quantification of magnetospheric electrons backscatter processes that can affect inner magnetospheric electrodynamics, transport and loss in a way that is not easily predicted. We discuss how these complex and energy‐dependent MI coupled processes can be treated in magnetospheric modeling. Key Points: Atmospheric collisional energy degradation significantly affects precipitating electron distributions Backscatter influences ionospheric conductance and inner magnetospheric electrodynamics A framework for treating atmospheric backscatter in magnetospheric models is presented