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Modulation of NTC frequencies by Pc5 ULF pulsations : experimental test of the generation mechanism and magnetoseismology of the emitting surface

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Grimald, S., Foullon, C. (Claire), Décréau, P. M. E., Le Rouzic, G., Suraud, X. and Vallières, X.. (2009) Modulation of NTC frequencies by Pc5 ULF pulsations : experimental test of the generation mechanism and magnetoseismology of the emitting surface. Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol.114 . ISSN 0148-0227

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2009JA014270

Abstract

Nonthermal continuum (NTC) radiation is believed to be emitted by the conversion of an electrostatic wave into an electromagnetic one, which takes place at the Earth's magnetic equator. It is generally accepted that the frequency of the electrostatic wave at the source meets a local characteristic frequency placed in between two multiples of the electron cyclotron frequency, fce, which results in emission of a narrow band frequency element. In an event on 14 August 2003, we compare oscillations of the central frequency of distinct NTC frequency elements observed from Cluster orbiting near perigee, with simultaneous Pc5 Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) pulsations in the magnetic field observed from the same platform. The latter magnetic perturbations are interpreted as magnetohydrodynamic poloidal waves, where fundamental and second harmonic modes coexist. The NTC oscillation and the fundamental wave have similar periods, but are phase shifted by a quarter of period. From the correlation between both signals, and the proximity of the NTC source (localized via triangulation) with Cluster, we infer that the poloidal perturbations are spatially uniform between the source and the satellites. From the phase shift between signals, we conclude that the electrostatic wave which converts into NTC is mainly governed by the plasma density, affected by movements of the magnetic field lines. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the observations can be used to perform a magnetoseismology of the emitting surface. The results show a steepening of the plasmapause density profile near the satellites, which can be responsible for the generation of NTC emission.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Physics

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Electrostatics, Electromagnetic waves, Magnetosphere, Magnetohydrodynamic waves

Journal or Publication Title:

Journal of Geophysical Research

Publisher:

American Geophysical Union

ISSN:

0148-0227

Official Date:

2009

Dates:

Date	Event
2009	Published

Volume:

Vol.114

Identification Number:

10.1029/2009JA014270

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Access rights to Published version:

Open Access

Funder:

Science and Technology Facilities Council (Great Britain) (STFC)

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