High-Energy Electrons in the Inner Zone

The existence of high-energy (
E
> 1 MeV) electrons in the inner zone is always a debatable issue. This paper aims at answering this question using both simulation-based and data-based measurement evidences. First, using NOAA measurements, in particular a proton channel contaminated by
E
> 1.2 MeV electrons, the slot filling was studied over solar cycles. Then, the found profiles were compared with the CRRES and SAMPEX measurements. Finally, using a simplistic physical model derived from Salammbô, the variations were estimated to understand the long-term behavior of the electrons in the inner belt.