On the problem of electron loss in the outer radiation belt during a magnetic storm

Abstract

An abrupt change in the latitudinal profile of energetic electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt during magnetic storms is explained in many publications by a loss of electrons at L = 4–7 resulting from their departure to the atmosphere or to the magnetopause. In the present work, the loss of electrons is explained primarily by adiabatic transformation of the magnetic drift trajectories. For this purpose, the effect of dawnto- dusk asymmetry measured by low-orbit SERVIS-1 and KORONAS-F satellites is involved.