Space Physics Seminar Winter-2018

Observations from the Van Allen Probes have revealed the prevalence of broadband electromagnetic oscillations through the ULF to ELF range in the spacecraft-frame in the inner magnetosphere. In this presentation the properties of these field variations are reviewed. It is shown how these waves pervade the inner magnetosphere during storm times and how their small-scale or kinetic nature may allow interactions with both electrons and ions via means not traditionally considered in ULF/ELF waves through this region of space. From analytical considerations and simulations, the importance of these interactions for modifying the distribution of energetic particle populations in the inner magnetosphere is explored. The results from this exploration suggest that these field variations may be an important, yet largely unrecognized, driver of inner magnetospheric particle dynamics.