GEM: Self-Consistent Characterization of Parallel Electric Fields in the Lower Magnetosphere

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

This project will examine the physical processes that accelerate electrons and ions in the discrete auroras. These processes are of fundamental importance to the electrodynamics coupling between the magnetosphere and the ionosphere. The project will use a combination of theoretical tools such as 1 and 2 dimensional Vlasov codes, 1 and 2 dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) codes and analytical modeling. Results from the theoretical investigation will be combined with observations from the FAST satellite to determine how relevant different physical processes may be to the particle acceleration. In addition to the direct results of the study, the improved simulation codes are likely to be applicable to a broad range of other problems.