Low Frequency Hiss Electron Scattering and the Role of Radial and Local Diffusion in the Acceleration of Multi-MeV Electrons

Plasmaspheric hiss waves are a dominant source of scattering for keV-MeV radiation belt electrons within the plasmasphere. Previous simulation and modeling work concerning hiss waves has often incorporated them via particle-based parameterizations (e.g., L-shell). However, recent work has shown that not only is hiss wave power loosely dependent on L-shell, but that proximity to the plasmapause may yield more accurate wave power distributions as it pertains to the modeling and scattering of electrons. This work serves to expand upon those previous studies by creating a low frequency (20–150 Hz) hiss wave model and incorporating a previously crafted high frequency (>150 Hz) hiss wave model based on plasmapause location, proximity to the plasmapause, and Kp activity level. Conversely, Chorus waves are believed to accelerate electrons to multi-MeV electrons. However, there are conflicting processes which may potentially explain how multi-MeV electrons are accelerated, specifically radial diffusion. As a side study, we examine the phase space density associated with multi-MeV electron enhancement events to understand which process more accurately reflects the observance of multi-MeV electrons.