A Parametric Study of the Landau Resonance Scattering Rates of Electrons by H+ Band EMIC Waves

Abstract

Landau resonance by electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves is considered to be one of the potential mechanisms responsible for the heating and acceleration of electrons in the range of eV to keV. However, the sensitivity of this process to wave properties and plasma environment is still unclear. Here, we perform a detailed parametric study on Landau resonance scattering rates of electrons by H⁺ band EMIC waves using different wave properties and plasma conditions, including the peak wave frequency, bandwidth, peak wave normal angle, angular width, and plasma density. We find that the variations of peak frequency, bandwidth, peak wave normal angle, and ambient plasma density play an important role in changing both the resonance zone and the scattering rates, while the variations of angular width have a smaller effect. In addition, the minimum resonant energy of electrons interacting with H⁺ band EMIC waves tends to increase with decreasing plasma density. Our results are beneficial for improving the understanding of the electron Landau heating and acceleration caused by EMIC waves in the magnetosphere.