Publication Date:
2018-10-03
Description:
In this study, we describe small-scale density depletions of cold electrons associated with electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves observed by the ERG (Exploration of energization and Radiation in Geospace) spacecraft during a plasmapause crossing near the magnetic equator in the postmidnight sector. The total electron density was roughly 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of the hot electrons, indicating existence of a cold and dense electron population below ∼20 eV. The cold electron density profile showed small-scale density depletion regions, in which the ECH emissions were intensified. Moreover, a flux enhancement of hot electrons in the perpendicular direction was also associated with the ECH emissions intensity. This relation suggests perpendicular energization of electrons by electric field oscillation of the ECH waves. ©2018. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Print ISSN:
0094-8276
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8007
Topics:
Geosciences
,
Physics
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