Work

Competing mechanisms of radial and local diffusion in radiation belt electron dynamics during quiet-geomagnetic conditions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Understanding the competing roles of radial diffusion and chorus wave-driven local diffusion in the dynamics of radiation belt electrons is critical for advancing space weather modeling. This study investigates the evolution of radiation belt electrons under quiet geomagnetic conditions using three-dimensional kinetic simulations. Two parameterized radial diffusion models and chorus wave diffusion coefficients are employed to analyze the interplay between these mechanisms across a range of electron energies (300 keV to 3 MeV) and equatorial pitch angles (30 ° to 90 ° ). The results reveal that radial diffusion is the dominant mechanism driving electron acceleration, particularly at lower L-shells and higher pitch angles, where flux peaks are more pronounced. Conversely, chorus wave-driven local diffusion primarily governs electron loss at lower pitch angles, while promoting acceleration at higher pitch angles. This study highlights the critical role of radial diffusion in shaping radiation belt electron dynamics during geomagnetic quiescence, with chorus waves playing a secondary but significant role. The findings underscore the need for improved parameterizations of radial diffusion models and provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the interactions between radiation belt electrons and space weather phenomena.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-23908-w