Space Weather: Unique Determination of Equatorial Electrodynamics Using Ground-based Magnetometers

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

This project addresses a new and unique technique for estimating the daytime, vertical ExB drift velocities in the equatorial ionospheric F region from ground-based magnetometer observations. It has recently been demonstrated, quantitatively, that the strength of the daytime upward ExB drift velocity is linearly related to the difference between the horizontal H component values measured by a magnetometer located on the magnetic equator and one 6 to 9 degrees away in latitude. This project plans to extend the results of this unique finding by asking the fundamental question: How does this delta H versus ExB relationship vary with season, geomagnetic activity and solar activity? An answer to this question provides answers in turn to a variety of space weather scientific questions as well as applying the technique, immediately, to Operational Real Time Ionospheric Specification and Forecast Models currently under development in support of civilian and military customers.