Statistical Analysis of Wave Propagation Properties of Equatorial Noise Observed at Low Altitudes

International audienceEquatorial noise (EN) is one of the most intense natural electromagnetic emissions in the inner magnetosphere, occurring very often within several degrees around the geomagnetic equator and propagating in the whistler mode with extraordinary polarization (Santolík et al., 2002). This mode of propagation implies a nearly linear polarization of the magnetic field fluctuations (Santolík et al., 2004). The equatorial noise emissions can play a significant role in controlling the distribution of energetic electrons in the radiation belts (Horne et al., 2007). EN is detected mostly in the frequency range from a few hertz up to about 1 kHz, and it can be commonly observed at radial distances ranging from 2 R E (Earth's radii) up to about