Nonlinear Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Interactions in the Sub-Auroral Zone
Abstract
To understand in quantitative detail the most important aspects of the electromagnetic coupling between the magnetosphere and ionosphere in the subauroral zone, we propose to study the role of the non-linear mechanisms responsible for the generation of the large-scale electric fields and small-scale, intense ULF waves, field-aligned currents, and plasma irregularities in the subauroral ionosphere. Specially, during the time of this project, we plan to accomplish three research goals-1) Investigate the generation of the large-scale electric fields on strong transverse density gradients associated with the boundary of the plasmasphere severely eroded during substorms. 2) Investigate intense ULF waves, field-aligned currents, and density structures generated by the ionospheric feedback instability driven by the large-scale electric field penetrating into the subauroral ionosphere. 3) Investigate the nonlinear mechanisms saturating the instability and determining the maximum amplitude of ULF waves, currents, and density perturbations occurring in the subauroral ionosphere during the substorms. The research will be based on the numerical simulations of comprehensive numerical models developed by the PI with support from NSF and AFOSR, and on the analysis of electromagnetic field and plasma data from the RBSP, SWARM, and DMSP satellites. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with scientists from the Space Vehicles Directorate at AFRL, Kirtland AFB, where the PI on this proposal spent 14 months during his sabbatical year 2017-2018, and 8 weeks during the Summer Faculty program in Summer 2019.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310689
Entities
People
- A. V. Streltsov
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University
- United States Air Force