Electron Population Model

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• LEO Models
• MEO Models
• GEO Models

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• SW Driven
• Kp Driven
• SW Driven
• Kp Driven
• SW Driven
• Kp Driven

The MSSL Electron Population Model is an empirical model of the omni-directional 10 eV to 40 keV electron population parameterised by solar wind velocity and magnetospheric activity levels. Data is provided in three regions based on a dipole magnetic field of the Earth and described by L-shells (the radial distance at which these magnetic field-lines cross the magnetic equators): LEO (L<4), MEO (L=4-6) and GEO (L=6-7). The GEO and MEO models are based on ESA Cluster II PEACE data from 2001-2014 supplemented by data from the EFW instrument. The LEO model is based on NASA Van Allen Probes HOPE data from 2012-2018 supplemented by data from the EFW instrument. The solar wind velocity parameterisation is based on data from the NASA OMNI service. Magnetospheric activity is based on the planetary Kp index from the German Research Centre for Geosciences and distributed via the OMNI service. Detailed descriptions of the model, datasets and validation can be found on the Details page.

Validation activities have shown that the differential number fluxes on the nightside at GEO are an order of magnitude smaller than detected by the LANL spacecraft but that this offset is not seen in other sectors. Further details are given in the Documentation. It is currently unclear from where this discrepancy arises or whether it affects the nightside MEO and LEO models as well, therefore these fluxes should be treated as lower limits.

Plots of the model results for different L-shell regions and different driving parameters can be viewed using the drop-down menu below. The four panels show the results in four magnetic local time sectors: 03-09 LT (dawnside); 09-15 LT (dayside); 15-21 LT (duskside); 21-03 LT (nightside). Details of these coordinates are provided in the Documentation pages. The central shaded circle provides a visual reference of the relevant local time sectors of the Earth, with the dayside in white and the nightside in black. These results can also be downloaded by accessing the appropriate model pages above.