Ground-Based Investigation of Upflowing Ions in the Discrete Aurora

Investigator(s):

Joshua Semeter (PI)

Sponsor:

SRI International, CA 94025 6508593571

Start Date/Expiration Date

2004-01-15 to 2004-09-30 (amended 2004-02-05)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$65,803

Abstract: Upflowing ions in the aurora are investigated by use of extant radar, optical, and satellite observations, and by analytical time-dependant modeling of ionospheric flow continuity and energy balance. The temporal and spatial auroral morphology associated with intense upflow events is first established by review of Sondrestrom, EISCAT, and EISCAT Svalbard radar data along with wide-angle optical spectral imaging. Selected events from the morphology study are scrutinized to provide detailed state-variable quantification during auroral ion outflow events. The state variables are then used as constraints on a time-dependent, coupled, continuity and energy balance analytical model that simulates ion and neutral diffusion, photochemical reaction rates, metastable emissions, and thermal balance. The model maps three-dimensional ionospheric affects to the ground, permitting salient comparison with ground-based observations.

NSF Org:

ATM - Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Award Number:

0323941

Award Instrument:

Continuing grant

Program Manager:

Robert B. Kerr
ATM Division of Atmospheric Sciences
GEO Directorate for Geosciences

NSF Program(s):

AERONOMY

Field Application(s):

Space

Program Reference Code(s):

UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

1521