Ionosphere-Magnetosphere Coupling through Ion Energization by Localized Fields

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Observations of the auroral ionosphere have shown the presence of very strong, highly localized gradients in the ionospheric density. These gradients appear to be related to localized electric fields. This project will examine the features of localized electrostatic fields, and the plasma waves and density fluctuations related to such fields. The project will also examine the interaction of ions with the localized electric fields. The research will quantify the ion interaction with the fields and determine the resulting theoretical ion distribution functions, which may then be compared with direct measurements.