GEM Postdoc: Comparative Studies to Determine the Role of Heavy Ions in Magnetospheric/Ionospheric Coupling During Storm Periods

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will provide the first quantification of the role of heavy ion ionospheric outflows in the dynamics of the magnetosphere during magnetic storms. It will use the 2-fluid code developed at the University of Washington to follow ions from their launching out of the ionosphere, through to their energization in the magnetotail and finally their injection into the ring current. The research will determine the solar wind and ionospheric conditions that lead to the strongest O+ enhancements. The project will also identify the spatial extent and relative concentration of these outflows in the magnetotail, and the simulations results will be calibrated using data from the High Energy Neutral Atom (HENA) imager on the IMAGE satellite.