A Three-Dimensional, Global-Scale Hybrid Code of the Earth's Magnetosphere

University Of Alaska Fairbanks Campus, Fairbanks AK

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will develop a full, three-dimensional hybrid code to simulate the dynamics of the coupled magnetosheath-magnetosphere-ionosphere system. The objective is to fill in the gaps in our understanding of space weather phenomena and provide a foundation for a new generation of space weather forecasting systems. The project is an outgrowth of a successful application of a two-dimensional global-scale hybrid code to model the magnetosphere in the midnight meridian plane. The code will make it possible to model the response of the magnetosphere to variations in the solar wind flux and imbedded interplanetary magnetic field. Extensions of the model will allow predictions of magnetic induction effects, which are of importance to the electric power industry. The code will be developed for a massively parallel computer at the Arctic Region Supercomputer Center. The techniques developed will have important spin-offs for simulation of plasmas in laboratory devices and design of microwave devices.