Transverse Acceleration of Ionospheric Ions in the Auroral Zone

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This project will launch a systematic theoretical investigation of micro-mesoscale ion evolutionary phenomena in the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere. Important space plasma research problems in coming years will be addressed toward global issues. In-situ observations are becoming multi-spacecraft in scope, and theoretical models are being forced to confront issues of nonlocality and multiscale interactions. Investigators encounter microscopic processes, such as wave-particle interactions and macroscopic effects connected with large electric and magnetic fields, where inhomogeneities and flow are important. This research has been aimed at understanding charged particle energization, diffusion and transport phenomena occurring at both micro- and mesoscales. Specifically, the PI will continue his studies of the auroral ion acceleration problem, the production of counterstreaming electrons, the nonlocal generation, propagation and saturation of plasma turbulence, mesoscale resonant wave-particle interactions, and mode conversion and mode-mode coupling processes.