Turbulent acceleration of auroral electrons

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Abstract
It is shown that the characteristic peak in the auroral electron velocity distribution can be generated stochastically through resonant interactions with lower hybrid electrostatic turbulence. The peak itself is shown to be a direct consequence of restrictions imposed on reflection of electron velocities in the frame of reference of individual wave packets by the limitation in group velocity. A Monte‐Carlo model demonstrates how the various properties of the acceleration region are reflected in the resultant electron distribution. It is shown, in particular, that the width of the peak is governed by the amplitude of the turbulence, while the amplitude of the peak reflects the column density of wave energy. Electron distributions encountered within three auroral arcs are interpreted to yield order of magnitude estimates of the amplitude and rms electric field of lower hybrid wave packets. The velocities and frequencies of the resonant waves, the net electric field, the column density of wave energy, and the electric‐field energy density are also estimated. The results are found to be consistent with available electric‐field measurements. A general broadening of the electron distribution caused by less systematic interactions between electrons and wave packets is shown to have a negligible effect on the peak resulting from the reflection process; it does, though, lead to the creation of a characteristic high‐energy tail.

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