ARBEN · Advancing radiation belt modeling with nonlinear wave–particle interactions

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Project objective

Understanding and forecasting the behavior of high-energy electrons in Earth’s radiation belts is essential for protecting satellites and other space-based infrastructure during geomagnetic storms. These electrons can penetrate spacecraft shielding, damage onboard electronics, and shorten mission lifetimes. Yet their dynamics remain difficult to predict.Current models treat magnetospheric plasma waves as incoherent, leading to a simplified picture of electrons undergoing slow, diffusive energy transport. However, modern spacecraft observations reveal that intense plasma waves, particularly whistler-mode chorus, often exhibit coherent, narrowband waveforms that enable rapid and nonlinear acceleration of trapped electrons. This process may dominate during storm conditions but is not captured in existing models.My ARBEN project addresses this critical gap by systematically incorporating nonlinear wave–particle interactions into radiation belt models. I will use test-particle simulations to derive corrections to standard diffusion coefficients in realistic wave fields, building on recent theoretical advances and high-resolution waveform measurements from spacecraft. These coefficients will be compiled into a database linked to observable wave parameters and implemented in leading global radiation belt models (DREAM, VERB) to assess their impact during geomagnetic storms and superstorms.The outcome will be a physics-based correction framework that enhances space weather forecasting capabilities during the most hazardous events. The fellowship will also support interdisciplinary training at the University of Michigan, including collaborations on spacecraft instrumentation, computational electromagnetism, and fluid dynamics. I will gain experience in mentoring, teaching, and leadership, preparing for a future independent research career.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• GFZ HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR GEOFORSCHUNG · POTSDAMCoordinatorGermany
• REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · ANN ARBORUnited States
• USTAV FYZIKY ATMOSFERY AV CR, v.v.i. · Praha 4Czechia

Links

• View on CORDIS
• DOI: 10.3030/101264047