RING CURRENTS IN THE REGION OF THE VAN ALLEN RADIATION BELTS

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1961 · J. Geophys. Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ066i007p02262· OSTI ID:4031109

Fiebig, R; Voelcker, H

By measuring the earth's magnetic field in the region of the Van Allen radiation belts, clear differences between the calculated dipole field and the observed values were found. The radiation belts were treated as a plasma contained by the earth's magnetic field. In a simple model sufficient agreement was found between the calculated and observed values of the current strength. The drift velocity was calculated from Stromer's theory. The outer anomaly may be interpreted by the diamagnetic effect. A model of an idealized radiation belt with monoenergetic particles, constant density within, and an ideal slope at the outer boundary of the belt was used. The theoretical approximation gave a current of 3 x 10/sup 4/ amp. The corresponding current, calculated from the observed magnetic anomaly, was greater by one order of magnitude. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Christian-Albrechts-Universitat, Kiel
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-15-024190
• OSTI ID: 4031109
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Research, Journal Name: J. Geophys. Research Vol. Vol: 66
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CURRENTS
DIPOLES
EARTH
ENERGY RANGE
GEOPHYSICS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
NUMERICALS
PHYSICS
PLASMA
RADIATION BELTS
STOERMER THEORY
VELOCITY