Statistical studies of fast and slow Z-mode plasma waves in and beyond the equatorial plasmasphere based on long-term Akebono observations

In order to investigate spatial and temporal variations of fast and slow Z-mode waves frequently observed in the equatorial plasmasphere, statistical studies have been performed by using plasma wave observation data obtained by the Akebono satellite within a period from 1989 to 1995. It has been clarified that fast and slow Z-mode waves are intensified within ±5° of geomagnetic latitudes in an altitude range from 6000 km to the apogee (10500 km) of the satellite without obvious local time dependence. Long-term averaged intensity of fast Z-mode waves has almost the same orders of magnitude as that of slow Z-mode waves. These results indicate that significant part of fast Z-mode waves are not produced by the linear mode conversion process from slow Z-mode waves, but excited by more direct process. Furthermore, the region of intensified fast and slow Z-mode waves has been spread in a wider geomagnetic latitude range of ±10° during geomagnetic storms. These evidences suggest that one of the possible free energy sources is ring current particles injected into the equatorial region of the plasmasphere during geomagnetic storms.