Direct Observational Evidence of the Simultaneous Excitation of Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves and Magnetosonic Waves by an Anisotropic Proton Ring Distribution

Abstract

Magnetosonic (MS) waves and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves are two important plasma wave modes in the magnetosphere. Previous simulations have shown that both waves could be generated by a ring-like proton distribution, while direct observational evidence has yet to be reported. Here, we present simultaneous observations of MS and EMIC waves and a detailed case analysis. The linear growth rates estimated for both waves are in good agreement with the observed wave frequency spectra. The measured proton distribution evolution is also compared with the simulation results, providing direct observational evidence for the previous theoretical prediction that anisotropic ring-like proton distributions could excite MS and EMIC waves simultaneously. Our findings are crucial for understanding the generation mechanisms of and relation between MS and EMIC waves and for evaluating their combined effects on energetic electron and ion dynamics.