Work

Lightning‐Induced Energetic Electron Precipitation Observed in Long‐Term DEMETER Spacecraft Measurements

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We analyze low‐altitude DEMETER spacecraft measurements obtained between 2006 and 2010, complemented by WWLLN lightning location data, to investigate the importance of lightning‐generated whistlers for the energetic electron precipitation from the Van Allen radiation belts. We focus, in particular, on the United States region, where a significant seasonal variation in the occurrence of lightning has been observed. We show that both the precipitating electron fluxes and very low frequency wave intensities correlate well with the total lightning occurrence in the region. We further demonstrate that lightning‐induced electron precipitation is more significant during periods of low geomagnetic activity compared to periods of high geomagnetic activity and during the nighttime than during the daytime. The energies of precipitating energetic electrons extend up to about 700 keV, roughly in agreement with the cyclotron resonance theory.

Source: Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics

DOI: 10.1029/2024ja032713

Authors: V. Linzmayer, F. Němec, O. Santolík, I. Kolmašová

Institutions: Charles University, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Atmospheric Physics

Language: English

Topic: Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,880

Funders: Grantová Agentura, Univerzita Karlova, Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy, Grantová Agentura České Republiky