Wave–particle interaction and enhanced precipitation of charged particles

Abstract

In addition to parallel electric fields, the distortions in the geomagnetic field have been considered in the study of resonant whistler wave interaction with gyrating charged particles. Mead axisymmetric distortions in the geomagnetic field have been considered and new expressions for the inhomogeneity parameter, αd, have been obtained. Considering the diffusion of charged particles in pitch angle, the variation in the precipitating electron flux under varying magnetospheric conditions has been computed. The variation in the distribution of trapped charged particles is shown to play an important role in controlling the electron flux precipitated into the lower ionosphere.