Electron heating mechanisms at quasi-perpendicular shocks – revisited with magnetospheric multiscale measurements

ABSTRACT We demonstrate that measurements obtained from NASA’s magnetospheric multiscale (MMS) mission support quasi-adiabatic electron heating in quasi-perpendicular shocks with temperature Te⊥ ∝ B1 + α, where B is the magnetic field strength and α represents departure adiabaticity. Adiabatic (α = 0) results conservation of moment on spatially increasing inside shock ramp. Negative < 0 observed most situations, perpendicular energy gain adiabatic redistributed by interactions waves to parallel direction leading a lower isotropic increase. Positive when stochastic electrons activated E × wave acceleration mechanism electrostatic higher By using test-particle simulations realistic model we have elucidated process acceleration. also shown equivalence gradient drift at low Mach numbers demonstrated cross-shock potential does not contribute heating. Signatures and/or are all analysed MMS.