Application of the Guiding Field Line Model to the Magnetospheric Plasma

Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View TX

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will study the basic transport processes of the magnetospheric convecting plasma. The effort concentrates on the electric current, momentum and heat flows in the magnetosphere and interaction between the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Because the motion of a charged particle is described by a more accurate approximation than the guiding center approximation and each species of the plasma is treated separately, this study will provide new insight into magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. The ultimate aim is to improve on the traditional guiding field line approach to describing the motion of particles in electric and magnetic fields. The project will also strengthen the newly established space research program at Prairie View A&M, a historic black university, and increase minority participation in space research.