Thermospheric wind around the cusp
Abstract
The thermosphere is the transition region from the dense atmosphere to space. Winds in the thermosphere affect not only thermospheric mass density, composition, and temperature, but also ionospheric electrodynamics, altering Joule heating and causing wind-driven field-aligned currents. An understanding of winds is needed for space physics research and space weather applications. This project aims to investigate upper thermospheric winds around the cusp, where the solar wind penetrates to the ionosphere in a narrow funnel. We will examine the pattern and forcing of the winds, and the relation of the winds with the thermosphere density anomaly. The project is compelling because the cusp is one of the two main regions of energy input from the magnetosphere, the other being the nightside auroral zone. The energy input comes in the form of Poynting flux and soft particle precipitation. We will conduct the project by coordinating observations from multiple sources and validating and enhancing thermospheric models. Specifically, upper thermospheric winds will be obtained by Scanning Doppler Imagers. Ionospheric plasma convection will be obtained from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network. Poynting flux flowing into the cusp and neutral density will be estimated using Swarm. The Global Ionosphere Thermosphere Model will be used to examine forcing of winds and the physical relation between winds and neutral density self-consistently.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310586
Entities
People
- Ying Zou
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Johns Hopkins University
- United States Air Force