Modeling Pitch Angle Dependent Electron Precipitation Using Electron Lifetimes

Abstract

Electron precipitation, a crucial link between Earth's magnetosphere and atmosphere, profoundly influences the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere system. Existing models of the ring current often rely on electron lifetimes for characterizing the effects of pitch-angle scattering, thus limiting accurate predictions of loss cone dynamics. This study introduces a method called steady-state approximation (steady state approximation) utilizing the steady-state solution of the pitch-angle diffusion operator to calculate pitch angle resolved flux within the loss cone. The method enables precise comparisons with low-earth orbit satellite measurements to validate parameterized electron lifetimes. Applying this approach to reevaluate a prior study, we uncover underestimated electron precipitation during geomagnetic storms, particularly in the pre-midnight sector. This discrepancy reveals a previously overlooked loss process. Our method enhances the fidelity of global magnetospheric simulations, contributing to improved predictions of ionospheric conductance and atmospheric chemistry dynamics.