GEM: Observational Tests of Radiation Belt Theories and Models in the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Inner Magnetosphere Storms Campaign

Investigator(s):

Geoffery Reeves (PI) ; Reiner Friedel (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Department of Energy Albuquerque Operations Office, NM 87115

Start Date/Expiration Date

2002-04-01 to 2006-03-31 (amended 2005-04-06)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$270,000

Abstract: This research program will test current theories and models of the radiation belts by comparing the theoretical and model results with observational data obtained from the NASA Polar satellite and the GPS satellites. It will develop statistical descriptions of the particle pitch angle distributions for different L-shells and different local times as a function of the phase of a magnetic storm. This will make it possible to distinguish among competing theories for the transport and loss of relativistic electrons. It will also determine which mechanisms dominate the transport and loss processes under different conditions. In addition, the project will develop time-dependent phase space density profiles for the events selected for study in the Geospace Environment Modeling campaign on the inner magnetosphere and magnetic storms. These profiles will be made available to the space physics community to help establish an understanding of when and where relativistic electron acceleration is occurring. The profiles will also be useful in constraining the theoretical work currently being done.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0202257

Award Instrument:

Interagency Agreement

Program Manager:

Kile B. Baker
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, 9150
SOLAR INFLUENCES, 1323

Program Element Code(s):

5750