Effects of polarization reversal on the pitch angle scattering of radiation belt electrons and ring current protons by EMIC waves

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, a type of natural plasma wave with frequencies below the proton gyro-frequency, play a crucial role in the loss of energetic electrons and protons in the Earth’s magnetosphere. The polarization reversal of EMIC waves at crossover frequencies is a well-known phenomenon that occurs when the waves propagate from an equatorial source region to higher latitudes along a geomagnetic field line. However, the influence of this phenomenon on EMIC wave induced particle diffusion has scarcely been studied. Here we determine the effects of polarization reversal of EMIC waves on computations of bounce-averaged pitch angle diffusion coefficients of radiation belt electrons and ring current protons.