Multi-Scale Observation-based Simulation Model for Investigating the Wave-Particle Interactions in the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly: Preliminary Results

The South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) represents the region of Earth’s weakest magnetic field intensity, where the inner radiation belt approaches closer to the planet’s surface. This anomaly is a critical region for understanding radiation belt dynamics and their responses to solar activity-induced magnetospheric changes.

This study is based on our recent numerical simulations of the inner proton radiation belt [Girgis et al., JSWSC (2021), SW (2024)], extending the model to include electron dynamics in the inner magnetosphere. The simulations adopted the IGRF and Tsyganenko models to provide a time-dependent magnetic field driven by solar input conditions detected by ACE mission, including the associated inductive electric field. A key feature of this research is the incorporation of wave-particle interactions, identified through Pc4-Pc5 wave detections using the MAGDAS ground magnetometer network. The primary objective is to simulate the enhancement of electron flux in the northern SAA region due to wave-particle interactions.

Understanding particle dynamics within the SAA is essential for predicting the radiation environment in low Earth orbit (LEO) missions, forecasting ionospheric responses to severe space weather, and assessing potential long-term impacts on Earth's climate system.