Role of non-adiabatic processes in the creation of the outer radiation belts

[1] Addressed here are characteristics of processes generating Earth's outer electron radiation region between ∼2 and 7 RE with electron energies from 100's of keV to greater than a few MeV. The question is: To what extent are non-adiabatic processes required in the creation of the outer radiation belt from the purported source population, the plasmasheet residing beyond 10 RE? Using data sampled within the plasmasheet by the ISEE-1 satellite, we determine the phase space densities (PSDs) achievable by adiabatic transport processes alone from the plasmasheet and compare them with PSDs at various L-values within the radiation belt, measured by the CRESS spacecraft. Because processes that might reduce transported PSDs are not included, the comparison yields a lower limit to the effects of non-adiabatic processes. We find non-adiabatic processes have a profound affect on outer radiation belt electrons with energies greater than ∼1 MeV, and most clearly between equatorial geocentric distances 5 to 7 RE.