Multi-fluid Simulation of the Magnetosphere, Its Boundary Layers and Current System

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will utilize a multi-fluid global simulation of the magnetosphere to study several important questions concerning the interaction of the magnetosphere with the ionosphere and with the plasma sphere. It will examine how changes in ionospheric conductance modifies the cross-polar cap electric potential drop, the effects of ionospheric mass loading on the evolution of the magnetosphere and how the introduction of heavy ionospheric ions affects the reconnection process in the magnetotail.