ULF Waves Research Articles

On the Contribution of Latitude‐Dependent ULF Waves to the Radial Transport of Off‐Equatorial Relativistic Electrons in the Radiation Belts

AbstractUltra‐low frequency (ULF) waves radially diffuse hundreds‐keV to few‐MeV electrons in the magnetosphere, as the range of drift frequencies of such electrons overlaps with the wave frequencies, leading to resonant interactions. Theoretically this process is described by analytic expressions of the resonant interactions between electrons and ULF wave modes in a background magnetic field. However, most expressions of the radial diffusion rates are derived for equatorially mirroring electrons and are based on estimates of the power of ULF waves that are obtained either from spacecraft close to the equatorial plane or from the ground but mapped to the equatorial plane. Based on recent statistical in situ observations, it was found that the wave power of magnetic fluctuations is significantly enhanced away from the magnetic equator. In this study, the distribution of the wave amplitudes as a function of magnetic latitude is compared against models simulating the natural modes of oscillation of magnetospheric field lines, with which they are found to be consistent. Energetic electrons are subsequently traced in 3D model fields that include a latitudinal dependence that is similar to measurements and to the natural modes of oscillation. Particle tracing simulations show a significant dependence of the radial transport of relativistic electrons on pitch angle, with off‐equatorial electrons experiencing considerably higher radial transport, as they interact with ULF wave fluctuations of higher amplitude than equatorial electrons. These findings point to the need for incorporating pitch‐angle‐dependent radial diffusion coefficients in global radiation belt models.

The Transmission of Pc 3 Waves From the Foreshock Into the Earth's Magnetosphere: 3D Global Hybrid Simulation

AbstractAlthough initially it was presumed that foreshock waves would propagate directly into the dayside magnetosphere, observational evidence for sinusoidal Pc3 waves in the downstream of quasi‐parallel shocks is scarce. The transmission of these waves from the foreshock into the magnetosphere remains uncertain. In this paper, we employ a 3D global hybrid simulation at a realistic scale to explore the generation and transmission of the dayside ULF waves under a radial interplanetary magnetic field. Our findings demonstrate that the Pc3 waves are self‐consistently generated in the foreshock region and then transmitted into the magnetosheath and magnetosphere. In the foreshock, the waves are excited at approximately 25 mHz and exhibit right‐handed helicity in the plasma frame, characterizing them as quasi‐parallel fast magnetosonic waves. In the magnetosphere, the fluctuating magnetic field is mainly parallel to the background magnetic field, which indicates the dominant wave modes are compressional. Fluctuations in the magnetosheath show a broader spectrum (10–100 mHz) compared to those in the magnetosphere and foreshock, potentially explaining the little observation of sinusoidal Pc3 waves in the magnetosheath. Additionally, only lower frequency compressional waves (below 30 mHz) are effectively transmitted into the dayside magnetosphere. Our simulation provides critical insights into the interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.

Polarization and m $m$‐Number Characteristics of Mid‐Latitude Pc5 ULF Waves Observed by SuperDARN Radars

Polarization and m $m$‐Number Characteristics of Mid‐Latitude Pc5 ULF Waves Observed by SuperDARN Radars

Quasi‐Periodic EMIC Waves and Pulsating Ionospheric Perturbations Related to ULF Waves

Quasi‐Periodic EMIC Waves and Pulsating Ionospheric Perturbations Related to ULF Waves

Statistical Study of Hot Flow Anomaly Induced Ground Magnetic Ultra‐Low Frequency Oscillations

AbstractPc5 ULF waves play an important role in transporting energy and particles in the coupled magnetospheric and ionospheric system. They are known to be initiated by dynamic pressure fluctuations upstream of the magnetopause, including those induced by hot flow anomalies (HFAs). However, the role of HFAs in generating magnetospheric and ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations has not been investigated statistically yet. Thus, in this paper, we investigate the contribution of HFAs to ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations and analyze how the characteristics of HFAs influence these oscillations, based on the coordinated observations between the THEMIS probes and the ground magnetometers at high latitudes during the years 2008, 2009 and 2019. We find that HFAs can serve as a notable source of ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations, with about 18.9% of Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) discontinuity‐induced HFAs associated with discernible enhancements in Pc5 ULF wave power, whereas spontaneous HFAs play a comparatively minor role in generating these oscillations. Furthermore, we observe that the cores of HFAs are likely to contribute more significantly to modulating the induced ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations than their compressed boundaries. More dynamic pressure reductions within HFA cores correspond to stronger ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations. Additionally, HFAs can propagate with the IMF discontinuity along the bow shock, continuously generating ground magnetic Pc5 ULF oscillations during their propagation. This research sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Pc5 ULF wave generation and underscores the role of HFAs in driving magnetospheric‐ionospheric interactions.

Nonlinear Drift‐Bounce Resonance Between Charged Particles and Ultralow Frequency Waves

AbstractUltra‐low frequency (ULF) waves contribute significantly to the dynamic evolution of Earth's magnetosphere by accelerating and transporting charged particles within a wide energy range. A substantial excitation mechanism of these waves is their drift‐bounce resonant interactions with magnetospheric particles. Here, we extend the conventional drift‐bounce resonance theory to formulate the nonlinear particle trapping in the ULF wave‐carried potential well, which can be approximately described by a pendulum equation. We also predict the observable signatures of the nonlinear drift‐bounce resonance, and compare them with spacecraft observations. We further discuss potential drivers of the pendulum including the convection electric field and the magnetospheric dayside compression, which lead to additional particle acceleration or deceleration depending on magnetic longitude. These drivers indicate preferred regions for nonlinear ULF wave growth, which are consistent with previous statistical studies.

Detection and Energy Dissipation of ULF Waves in the Polar Ionosphere: A Case Study Using the EISCAT Radar

AbstractUltra‐low frequency (ULF) waves transfer energy and momentum into the ionosphere‐thermosphere system. To quantify this energy, this paper first presents a new method to quantitatively detect ULF waves in Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) data based on 2D fast‐Fourier transforms and subsequent reconstruction of the wave. In parallel with other data sets, including optical, magnetometer, satellite, and models, we present the first full ionospheric energy dissipation rates for a ULF wave, split into electromagnetic (EM) and kinetic fluxes. The EM energy deposition is calculated from the use of the Poynting theorem, looking at Joule and frictional heating rates, where both rates show the same order of magnitude (1.24 × 1013 and 7.3 × 1012 J) respectively when integrated over the wave lifetime of 2 hr 15 min and an area of 4° magnetic latitude × 74° magnetic longitude. However, contrary to the common assumption that the EM flux is dominant, we determined the kinetic flux, to be almost equal in magnitude (8.7 × 1012 J). This indicates that previous papers might have underestimated the total energy dissipation by ULF waves. Compared to the substorm energy budget, we find that locally, the ULF wave event studied here makes up approximately 10% of a typical substorm cycle budget.

Joint observations of the large-scale ULF wave activity from space to ground associated with the solar wind dynamic pressure enhancement

Joint observations of the large-scale ULF wave activity from space to ground associated with the solar wind dynamic pressure enhancement

Statistical Properties of Pc4‐5 ULF Waves in Plasmaspheric Plumes

AbstractUltra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves emerge as pivotal factors in elucidating the mechanisms that drive the intricate dynamics of radiation belt electrons within the plasmasphere and plasmaspheric plumes. Utilizing THEMIS data from September 2012 to September 2017, we conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis of Pc4‐5 ULF waves within and outside the plasmaspheric plume. Our findings reveal a distinctive dawn‐dusk asymmetry in occurrence rate and wave power of poloidal mode waves in the absence of the plume, resembling the toroidal mode asymmetry observed. Poloidal mode waves exhibit a higher likelihood of formation within the plume, while the toroidal mode waves show the opposite trend, contributing to the elevated dusk‐side occurrence rate of poloidal mode waves. Moreover, both wave modes within the plume demonstrate lower peak frequencies compared to waves outside the plume. The global distribution of wave power within the plume suggests higher power at noon than on the dusk side.

A Closer Cooperation between Space and Seismology Communities – a Way to Avoid Errors in Hunting for Earthquake Precursors

The space physicists and the earthquake (EQ) prediction community exploit the same instruments – magnetometers, but for different tasks: space physicists try to comprehend the global electrodynamics of near-Earth space on various time scales, whereas the seismic community develops electromagnetic methods of short-term EQ prediction. The lack of deep collaboration between those communities may result sometimes in erroneous conclusions. In this critical review, we demonstrate some incorrect results caused by a neglect of specifics of geomagnetic field evolution during space weather activation. The considered examples comprise: Magnetic storms as a trigger of EQs; ULF waves as a global EQ precursor; Geomagnetic impulses before seismic shocks; Long-period geomagnetic disturbances generated by strong EQs; Discrimination of underground ULF sources by amplitude-phase gradients; Depression of ULF power as a short-term EQ precursor; and Detection of seimogenic emissions by satellites. To verify the reliability of the above widely disseminated results data from available arrays of fluxgate and search-coil magnetometers have been re-analyzed. In all considered events, the “anomalous” geomagnetic field behavior can be explained by global geomagnetic activity, and it is apparently not associated with seismic activity. This critical review does not claim that ULF electromagnetic field cannot be used as a sensitive indicator of the EQ preparation processes, but we suggest that both communities must cooperate their studies more tightly using data exchange, combined usage of magnetometer networks, organization of CDAW for unique events, etc.

Statistical Study on the Azimuthal Mode Number of Pc5 ULF Wave in the Inner Magnetosphere

AbstractThe azimuthal mode number, m, of ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves is a significant contributing factor for radiation belt electron energization, because it determines the conditions for resonant interaction between waves and particles. Based on multi‐point magnetic field measurements of GOES satellites from January to September of 2011, we statistically analyze the distributions of the characteristics of m of Pc5 ULF waves. In the dayside, the local peaks in the distributions of wave power spectra density locate at ∼10 and ∼13 MLT for m < 0 (westward propagation) and m > 0 (eastward propagation) waves respectively, suggesting the waves generally propagate anti‐sunward. In the nightside, the local peaks are at 22–23 MLT for both m < 0 and m > 0 waves, suggesting possible relation to substorm activities. Further investigation shows that, with increasing solar wind activities, the enhancements of dayside peaks are primarily contributed by |m| ≤ 3 waves, whereas the enhancements of nightside peak are contributed by both |m| ≤ 3 and |m| > 3 waves. With increasing AE index, the enhancements are more significant for the nightside peaks comparing to dayside peaks, and for |m| > 3 waves comparing to |m| ≤ 3 waves. The results of this study provide inputs for further investigation on the radial diffusion coefficient of radiation belt electrons with considering mode number information.

Relativistic electron flux growth during storm and non-storm periods as observed by ARASE and GOES satellites

Variations of relativistic electron fluxes (E ≥ 1 MeV) and wave activity in the Earth magnetosphere are studied to determine the contribution of different acceleration mechanisms of the outer radiation belt electrons: ULF mechanism, VLF mechanism, and adiabatic acceleration. The electron fluxes were measured by Arase satellite and geostationary GOES satellites. The ULF power index is used to characterize the magnetospheric wave activity in the Pc5 range. To characterize the VLF wave activity in the magnetosphere, we use data from PWE instrument of Arase satellite. We consider some of the most powerful magnetic storms during the Arase era: May 27–29, 2017; September 7–10, 2017; and August 25–28, 2018. Also, non-storm intervals with a high solar wind speed before and after these storms for comparison are analyzed. Magnitudes of relativistic electron fluxes during these magnetic storms are found to be greater than that during non-storm intervals with high solar wind streams. During magnetic storms, the flux intensity maximum shifts to lower L-shells compared to intervals without magnetic storms. For the considered events, the substorm activity, as characterized by AE index, is found to be a necessary condition for the increase of relativistic electron fluxes, whereas a high solar wind speed alone is not sufficient for the relativistic electron growth. The enhancement of relativistic electron fluxes by 1.5–2 orders of magnitude is observed 1–3 days after the growth of the ULF index and VLF emission power. The growth of VLF and ULF wave powers coincides with the growth of substorm activity and occurs approximately at the same time. Both mechanisms operate at the first phase of electron acceleration. At the second phase of electron acceleration, the mechanism associated with the injection of electrons into the region of the magnetic field weakened by the ring current and their subsequent betatron acceleration during the magnetic field restoration can work effectively.Graphical

Cluster Observation on the Latitudinal Distribution of Magnetic Pc5 Pulsations in the Inner Magnetosphere

AbstractUltralow frequency (ULF) waves in the Pc5 band are ubiquitous in the inner magnetosphere and can impact radiation belt dynamics by interacting with electrons through drift or drift‐bounce resonance. In this paper, based on ∼ 19 years of Cluster measurements, we perform a comprehensive study of the three‐dimensional distribution of poloidal, toroidal, and compressional ULF waves from L = 4 to 10, for magnetic latitudes (MLAT) up to Ultralow frequency ±50°, and in all magnetic local times (MLT). The distribution of the Pc5 ULF wave power is found to vary greatly as a function of L and MLT. For all L and MLT sectors, wave power of the poloidal and toroidal modes of the magnetic field increase with increasing |MLAT|, while the compressional mode decreases with increasing |MLAT|. The dawn–dusk asymmetries of wave power in poloidal and toroidal modes are more pronounced at higher |MLAT|. Furthermore, the wave power for Kp > 2 is approximately 2.93, 3.21, and 3.42 times greater than the wave power for Kp ≤ 2, respectively for compressional, poloidal and toroidal components. The information on the latitudinal distributions of ULF waves presented in this paper is important for future investigations on the radial diffusion process of radiation belt electrons with non‐90° pitch angles while they bounce away from the magnetic equator.

Global ULF Waves Excited by Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure Impulses: 2. The Spatial Distribution Asymmetry

AbstractAsymmetry is a prevalent characteristic in numerous space physics phenomena. In this study, we investigate the statistical properties and spatial variations of ultra‐low frequency power globally after positive dynamic pressure pulses, utilizing high‐resolution magnetic field data from SuperMAG between 2012 and 2019. Specifically, we focus on the dawn‐dusk and north‐south asymmetries of Pc2‐5 fluctuations. Our analysis reveals that the power enhancement in the Pc2 band at approximately 30° magnetic latitude (MLAT) in the southern hemisphere is attributable to the South Atlantic Anomaly region. At MLAT ≈ 15°, the power of Pc3‐5 waves in both hemispheres exhibits a local minimum, which is associated with the strong coupling of compressional and Alfvén waves. Moreover, around MLAT = 60°, the dawnside Pc5 wave power exceeds that on the duskside when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is westward, and the result is reversed when the IMF is eastward. Notably, Pc3‐5 wave power from MLAT = 30° to MLAT = 75° in the northern hemisphere is generally higher than that in the southern hemisphere. In regions with MLAT > 75°, which corresponds to the polar cap between 0 and 15 magnetic local time, the power of Pc3 pulsations is higher during summer in the northern hemisphere and higher during winter in the southern hemisphere. These findings underscore the significant role of the solar wind and the IMF in controlling geomagnetic pulsations and further deepen our understanding of the coupling between fluctuations in the ionosphere and the magnetosphere.

Influence of geomagnetic disturbances on scintillations of GLONASS and GPS signals as observed on the Kola Peninsula

We have compared effects of geomagnetic disturbances during magnetic storms of various types (CME and CIR) and during an isolated substorm on scintillations of GLONASS and GPS signals, using a Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver installed in Apatity (Murmansk Region, Russia). We analyze observational data for 2021. The magnetic storms of November 3–4, 2021 and October 11–12, 2021 are examined in detail. The November 3–4, 2021 magnetic storm was one of the most powerful in recent years. The analysis shows that the scintillation phase index reaches its highest values during nighttime and evening substorms (σϕ≈1.5–1.8), accompanied by a negative bay in the magnetic field. During magnetic storms, positive bays in the magnetic field, associated with an increase in the eastward electrojet, lead, however, to quite comparable values of the phase scintillation index.
 An increase in phase scintillations during nighttime and evening disturbances correlates with an increase in the intensity of ULF waves (Pi3/Pc5 pulsations) and with the appearance of aurora arcs. This confirms the important role of ULF waves in forming the auroral arc and in developing ionospheric irregularities. The predominance of the green line in the spectrum of auroras indicates the contribution of disturbances in the ionospheric E layer to the scintillation increase. Pulsating auroras, associated with ionospheric disturbances in the D layer, do not lead to a noticeable increase in phase scintillations. Analysis of ionospheric critical frequencies according to ionosonde data from the Lovozero Hydrometeorological Station indicates the contribution of the sporadic Es layer of the ionosphere to jumps in phase scintillations.
 The difference between phase scintillation values on GLONASS and GPS satellites during individual disturbances can be as great as 1.5 times, which may be due to different orbits of the satellites. At the same time, the level of GLONASS/GPS scintillations at the L2 frequency is higher than at the L1 frequency. We did not find an increase in the amplitude index of scintillations during the events considered.

Влияние геомагнитных возмущений на сцинтилляции сигналов ГЛОНАСС и GPS спутников по данным наблюдений на Кольском полуострове

We have compared effects of geomagnetic disturbances during magnetic storms of various types (CME and CIR) and during an isolated substorm on scintillations of GLONASS and GPS signals, using a Septentrio PolaRx5 receiver installed in Apatity (Murmansk Region, Russia). We analyze observational data for 2021. The magnetic storms of November 3–4, 2021 and October 11–12, 2021 are examined in detail. The November 3–4, 2021 magnetic storm was one of the most powerful in recent years. The analysis shows that the scintillation phase index reaches its highest values during nighttime and evening substorms (σϕ≈1.5–1.8), accompanied by a negative bay in the magnetic field. During magnetic storms, positive bays in the magnetic field, associated with an increase in the eastward electrojet, lead, however, to quite comparable values of the phase scintillation index.
 An increase in phase scintillations during nighttime and evening disturbances correlates with an increase in the intensity of ULF waves (Pi3/Pc5 pulsations) and with the appearance of aurora arcs. This confirms the important role of ULF waves in forming the auroral arc and in developing ionospheric irregularities. The predominance of the green line in the spectrum of auroras indicates the contribution of disturbances in the ionospheric E layer to the scintillation increase. Pulsating auroras, associated with ionospheric disturbances in the D layer, do not lead to a noticeable increase in phase scintillations. Analysis of ionospheric critical frequencies according to ionosonde data from the Lovozero Hydrometeorological Station indicates the contribution of the sporadic Es layer of the ionosphere to jumps in phase scintillations.
 The difference between phase scintillation values on GLONASS and GPS satellites during individual disturbances can be as great as 1.5 times, which may be due to different orbits of the satellites. At the same time, the level of GLONASS/GPS scintillations at the L2 frequency is higher than at the L1 frequency. We did not find an increase in the amplitude index of scintillations during the events considered.

Interhemispheric Observations of ULF Waves Caused by Foreshock Transients Under Quiet Solar Wind Conditions

AbstractForeshock transient (FT) events are frequently observed phenomena that are generated by discontinuities in the solar wind. These transient events are known to trigger global‐scale magnetic field perturbations (e.g., ULF waves). We report a series of FT events observed by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission in the upstream bow shock region under quiet solar wind conditions. During the event, ground magnetometers observed significant Pc1 wave activity as well as magnetic impulse events in both hemispheres. Ground Pc1 wave observations show ∼8 min time delay (with some time differences) from each FT event which is observed at the bow shock. We also find that the ground Pc1 waves are observed earlier in the northern hemisphere compared to the southern hemisphere. The observation time difference between the hemispheres implies that the source region of the wave is the off‐equatorial region.

The Cluster Virtual Observatory for ULF Waves

AbstractSince its launch in 2000, the Cluster fleet visited a vast domain of the circum‐terrestrial environment, from the upstream solar wind and the distant tail, down to the plasmasphere, scanning in detail all magnetospheric regions during over two solar cycles. This led to an unprecedentedly rich data collection of multi‐point measurements which will be used for years to come to decipher the mechanisms of Solar‐Terrestrial interactions. The large volume of data gathered by Cluster requires special strategies to make efficient use of it. To address this issue we constructed a browsable database containing parameters of the detected Ultra low frequency waves and of the spacecraft formation geometry. The primary data used to derive the parameters are the magnetic field, the electric field and the electron density. The data is resampled to a cadence of 1 s and processed using a sliding analysis window of 2,048 s with a step of 256 s over 24 hr intervals. This results in time‐frequency arrays for each parameter covering the 0.5 mHz to 0.5 Hz frequency range. The database is accessible at http://plasma.spacescience.ro/cluster.html. In total there are 47 wave parameters in the database, among them being the ellipticity, the degree of polarization, the (unsigned) wave vector direction, and the Poynting vector. Plots for the planarity, elongation, and degeneration of the Cluster tetrahedron are also available. At the moment, the database covers measurements made between 01 January 2001 and 31 December 2020 with more data being added in time. Here we present this database, discuss the methods used to derive the parameters and give practical examples.

Polarization of Magnetospheric ULF Waves Excited by an Interplanetary Shock on 27 February 2014

AbstractMany previous studies have reported that magnetospheric ultralow frequency waves excited by interplanetary shocks exhibit a strong toroidal component, corresponding to azimuthal displacement of magnetic field lines. However, the toroidal oscillations excited by an interplanetary shock on 27 February 2014 and observed on the dayside by multiple spacecraft were accompanied by a strong poloidal component (radial field line displacement). The frequency of the toroidal oscillations changed with the radial distance of the spacecraft as expected for standing Alfvén waves. We run a 3D linear numerical simulation of this wave event using a model magnetosphere with a realistic radial variation of the Alfvén velocity. The simulated wave fields, when sampled at a radial distance comparable to those of the observations in the real magnetosphere, exhibit polarization similar to the observations. In the simulation, the poloidal component comes from radially standing fast mode waves and the toroidal component results from a field line resonance driven by the fast mode waves. As a consequence, the relative amplitude and phase of the toroidal and poloidal components change with radial distance.

Magnetosonic ULF Waves With Anomalous Plasma–Magnetic Field Correlations: Standing Waves and Inhomogeneous Plasmas

AbstractUltra‐low frequency (ULF) wave observations across the heliosphere often rely on the sign of correlations between plasma (density/pressure) and magnetic field perturbations to distinguish between fast and slow magnetosonic modes. However, the assumptions behind this magnetohydrodynamic result are not always valid, particularly within the magnetosphere which is inhomogeneous and supports standing waves along the geomagnetic field. Through theory and a global simulation, we find both effects can result in anomalous plasma–magnetic field correlations. The interference pattern in standing waves can lead both body and surface magnetosonic waves to have different cross‐phases than their constituent propagating waves. Furthermore, if the scale of gradients in the background are shorter than the wavelength or the waves are near‐incompressible, then advection by the wave of inhomogeneities can overcome the wave's inherent sense of compression. These effects need to be allowed for and taken into account when applying the typical diagnostic to observations.