The Distribution of Pc5 Ultralow-frequency Waves at Geostationary Orbit

Abstract

Using GOES magnetometer data spanning over 30 yr, we study the distribution of Pc5 ultralow-frequency waves at geosynchronous orbit. The CLEAN algorithm was applied to detect narrowband Pc5 waves. This method was first used in astronomical radio interferometry, but has since been applied to many other areas. The algorithm allows for identification of multiple individual peaks within the same power spectral density. We found close to 30,000 events in each magnetic field component in field-aligned coordinates. With some exceptions, results were in agreement with previous studies. Wave occurrence along magnetic local time (MLT) was higher in the 18–23 MLT sector. However, the largest accumulated wave amplitudes were observed on the dayside, peaking close to local noon. As expected, wave amplitudes were larger during more active solar wind conditions. For the radial and parallel components, amplitudes were maximum at the interplanetary magnetic field clock angle of −30° to −45°. The resultant database of Pc5 ultralow-frequency wave events can be used to constrain radiation belt models, while the CLEAN method provides a unique technique to automatically detect narrowband plasma waves in the magnetosphere and beyond.

Keywords

• Planetary magnetospheres
• Alfvén waves
• Space weather
• Van Allen radiation belts