Physics and Astronomy Space Plasma Seminar
Jichun Zhang, University of New Hampshire
Location
Wilder 111
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
Title: "EMIC Waves and Associated Plasma Conditions"
Abstract: Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves play an important role in the overall dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere. Particularly, these waves contribute to the energization and loss of magnetospheric particles. For instance, EMIC waves can interact with relativistic electrons in the radiation belts as well as energetic ions in the ring current, resulting in rapid scattering loss. Such loss normally occurs in high-density regions such as those just inside the plasmapause or within plasmaspheric drainage plumes. In this talk, I will discuss the generation and propagation of EMIC waves and three crucial EMIC wave-associated plasma conditions: 1) hot anisotropic H+, which is the free energy provider of the EMIC waves and serves as a necessary condition for the EMIC wave growth, 2) ion heating, which indicates the effect of the EMIC waves, and 3) cold dense plasma, which plays a catalytic role in the wave generation and affects the wave properties. Outstanding problems about EMIC waves and unprecedented opportunities to solve them with multi-point measurements, combined with numerical simulations, will also be presented.
Location
Wilder 111
Sponsored by
Physics & Astronomy Department
Audience
Public
