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Simultaneous macroscale and microscale wave-ion interaction in near-earth space plasmas
Z-Y Liu1, Q-G Zong2,3, R Rankin4
1Institute of Space Physics and Applied Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Nature Communications
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Scientists observed energy transfer from large to small scales in space plasmas. This process, involving ultra-low-frequency and electromagnetic-ion-cyclotron waves, energizes ions efficiently in astrophysical and space environments.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics and space physics
- Plasma physics
- Space weather
Background:
- Understanding energy transfer across scales in collisionless plasmas is crucial for studying plasma evolution and high-energy particle generation.
- Energy dissipation mechanisms in astrophysical and space plasmas remain an active area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize cross-scale energy transfer events in collisionless plasmas.
- To investigate the role of simultaneous macroscale and microscale wave-ion interactions in plasma energization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft for in-situ observations within Earth's magnetosphere.
- Analyzed data from two distinct events exhibiting simultaneous interactions between hot ions and waves at different scales.
Main Results:
- Observed direct energy transfer from macroscale (~100 km) ultra-low-frequency waves to microscale (~10 km) electromagnetic-ion-cyclotron (EMIC) waves.
- Demonstrated EMIC-wave-induced ion energization as the dissipation mechanism at microscales.
- Direct measurements confirmed the efficiency of this cross-scale energy transfer process, occurring over approximately one minute (ten EMIC-wave periods).
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous macroscale and microscale wave-ion interactions provide an efficient mechanism for cross-scale energy transfer.
- This process is key to plasma energization in astrophysical and space environments.
- Experimental evidence supports the proposed cross-scale energy transfer pathway.
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