The Van Allen Radiation Belts are formed by particles trapped in which field?

The Van Allen Radiation Belts are primarily formed by charged particles, such as electrons and protons, that become trapped by the Earth's magnetic field. This magnetic field extends from the Earth into space and is responsible for guiding and confining these energetic particles into specific regions around the planet.

These radiation belts consist of two main zones, the inner and outer belts, where the particles are held in stable orbits due to the magnetic forces. As such, the configuration of the magnetic field lines and the characteristics of the charged particles' motion contribute to the formation and maintenance of these belts. The behavior of the particles within the belts illustrates the significant influence of magnetic forces in space, contrasting with gravitational or electric forces, which do not play a primary role in the confinement of charged particles in this context. The presence of solid fields is not relevant here, as the belts consist solely of energetic particles rather than solid material.