Statistical Properties of Lower Hybrid Waves in the Magnetopause Reconnection Exhaust Region

Lower hybrid waves (LHWs) are frequently observed associated with magnetic reconnection. A general picture of the statistical properties of LHWs in magnetopause reconnection, however, has not yet been established. Here we report such a statistical study of LHWs using magnetospheric multiscale mission data in the magnetopause reconnection exhaust region. LHWs are identified in reconnection outflow regions over a broad range of magnetic local time. Most of the LHWs are near strong density gradients located on the low‐density magnetospheric side of the reconnection layer. The wave amplitude is typically several mV/m but can occasionally reach a few tens of mV/m. Compared with intervals that do not exhibit LHWs, intervals with LHWs show a ∼50% increase in parallel electron temperature, providing statistical evidence that LHWs contribute to parallel electron heating in reconnection exhausts and the dayside low‐latitude boundary layer. In this study, we provide a statistical study of the wave strength, the location, and the potential effect of lower hybrid waves (LHWs) on particles in reconnection exhaust regions. We find that LHWs are mainly located near strong density gradients on the low‐density magnetospheric side of the reconnection layer. The wave strength and distribution do not depend on the magnetic shear condition. Te,‖and Te,‖/Te,⊥show significant increases associated with LHWs, suggesting that LHWs contribute to electron heating in reconnection exhaust regions and the low‐latitude boundary layer. Lower hybrid waves (LHWs) in reconnection outflow regions are found from 06 MLT to 18 MLT near the dayside magnetopauseMost of the LHWs are near strong density gradients located on the magnetospheric side of the reconnection layerSignificant increases in Te,‖and Te,‖/Te,⊥are observed during intervals of LHWs Lower hybrid waves (LHWs) in reconnection outflow regions are found from 06 MLT to 18 MLT near the dayside magnetopause Most of the LHWs are near strong density gradients located on the magnetospheric side of the reconnection layer Significant increases in Te,‖and Te,‖/Te,⊥are observed during intervals of LHWs