The storm and poststorm evolution of energetic (35--560 keV) radiation belt electron distributions

Detailed Explorer 45 equatorial observations of the storm and poststorm structure of radiation belt electrons (35--560 keV) for L between approx. 1.7 and 5.2 are presented. Injection during major storms results in electron pitch angle distributions and radial profiles that are greatly distorted from their quiet time equilibrium structure. Following storms the pitch angle distributions return to their prestorm shape over a period of several days. This shape is maintained as electron fluxes decay back to the quiet time levels. The equatorial radial profiles slowly return to their prestorm equilibrium structure over a period of a few weeks and then maintain that structure