LAUSR

Results from a 1D kinetic simulation, for the first time, reveal the important role of modified electron acoustic wave (MEAW) in auroral electron acceleration. Parallel electric fields, generated due to the mode coupling between kinetic Alfven waves (KAWs) and MEAWs in the transition region from the magnetosphere and the ionosphere, can be sustained by continuous energy input carried by Alfven waves from the magnetosphere. Under the incidence of long‐period Alfven waves carrying upward field‐aligned currents, a parallel potential drop can be formed in the transition region, leading to mono‐energetic electron acceleration. Such a mechanism provides a possible link between shear Alfven waves and the mesoscale mono‐energetic auroral electron acceleration.