CAREER: A Simulation Study of Reconnection Layers in the Magnetotail

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The objective of this proposal is to develop a full, balanced academic career which involves both research and education activities, as emphasized by the NSF CAREER Program. A brief summary of the research and education plans follows. (A) Research Plan: Magnetic reconnection plays a very important role in the transfer of the solar wind mass, momentum, and energy into the earth's magnetosphere through the magnetospause and in the development of geomagnetic substorms and energy release in the magnetotail. In the reconnection process, a layered structure which contains several magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) discontinuities and waves can be formed in the outflow region. The energy conversion in the magnetic reconnection is mainly through the discontinuities and waves in this reconnection layer. The purpose of the research plan is to systematically study the formation and structure of reconnection layers in the magnetotail. The primary research tools of the study are one-dimensional )1-D) and two dimensional (2-D) hybrid simulations, guided by MHD theories and simulations of the reconnection layer. Specifically, this proposal is to: (1) Determine the structure of the distant-tail reconnection layer and associated discontinuities in quasi-steady reconnection during quiet time; (2) Study the structure and evolution of the near-tail reconnection layer during transient stages of magnetic reconnection in a substorm active time: (3) Investigate the structure and ion heating of slow shocks in the magnetotail The proposed study is expected to contribute significantly to our understanding of the structure of the tail plasma sheet boundary, the slow shocks and electromagnetic waves, and the ion dynamics in the magnetotail magnetic reconnection. (B) Education Plan: In addition to the scientific research, the other important component of academic activities at the Physics Department of Auburn University is science education. Instruction, research, and out reach are inexorably intertwined in a manner that each re-enforces the other. The PI's education plan is made to balance the research activity of the PI and to be consistent with the department goals. Specifically, the education plan includes: (1) A five-year plan of undergraduate and graduate course teaching at the introductory level, advanced undergraduate and graduate level, which effectively utilizes the expertise of the PI; (2) Research projects for undergraduate students in order to attract students to higher levels of study and to contribute to the research activities of the PI; (3) Outreach activities to area high schools, to interact with and train high school science teachers and students, and participation in the $1.3 million Hughes Initiative.