Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM): Simulation Studies of Substorm Triggering Processes

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators use magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling to study the triggering of magnetic substorms and the response of the magnetosphere to changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Specific areas of study include: the propagation of solar wind induced transients in the magnetosphere and their ionospheric signatures; magnetotail and plasma sheet configuration during substorm growth phase; the effects of solar wind transients on plasma sheet thinning; and the dynamics of the near Earth plasmasheet and magnetotail during changes in the IMF. The study will initially involve only model simulations. Later, the investigators will use solar wind inputs from actual substorm events. The studies are aimed at improving our understanding of geomagnetic substorms leading to an improved predictive capability.