Freja observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron ELF waves and transverse oxygen ion acceleration on auroral field lines

• Extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic and electric field plasma wave emissions were recorded on 2 October 1993 on auroral field lines by the Magnetic Field Experiment during Freja orbit 4770. The ELF wave frequencies were below the local oxygen gyrofrequency (25 Hz) and between the helium and proton gyrofrequencies (100 to 400 Hz). The ELF waves, interpreted as electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, were observed in a region of inverted-v-type electron precipitation. The EMIC waves were correlated over time with auroral and lower energy (≈ 100 eV) electrons, which are both possible sources of free energy, and also with transversely accelerated oxygen ions. The waves above the helium gyrofrequency were more closely correlated with the transverse oxygen ion acceleration than the waves below the oxygen gyrofrequency. These observations are consistent with a scenario in which electron beams generate EMIC waves, which then produce transverse oxygen ion acceleration through a gyroresonant interaction.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Fusion, plasma och rymdfysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Acceleration

Data acquisition

Electric fields

Electron beams

Electrons

Helium

Ions

Magnetic fields

Oxygen

Plasma waves

Satellites

Statistical methods

Auroral field lines

Electric field plasma wave emissions

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

Electron precipitation

Extremely low frequency waves

Freja observations

Gyroresonant interaction

Helium gyrofrequency

Magnetic field plasma wave emissions

Transverse oxygen ion acceleration

Electromagnetic wave emission

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)