CEDAR: Height-Resolved Joule Heating Rates and the Influence of Neutral Winds

研究人员正在测量高纬度E区焦耳加热率的垂直分布，以及E区中性风对这种分布的影响。他阐述了在极地E区垂直方向上的中性动力学、电动力学和能量学，以及与磁层和低层大气的耦合方面。他正在解决的其他问题包括：(1)中性风上的洛伦兹力向下延伸到E区的程度；(2)地磁活动的水平及其持续时间如何影响焦耳加热率，其中包括中性风；(3)高纬度电离层的负载/发电机特征和中性风对它们的影响；以及(4)增强的焦耳加热率与当地离子温度的关系。发生在高纬度E的物理耦合和来自下面的潮汐强迫的相互作用，从上面的磁层，到目前为止，一直知之甚少。这项研究强调了焦耳加热率作为高纬度主要能源的重要性，将显著改变这一趋势。

The investigator is measuring vertical distribution of the Joule heating rate in the high latitude E region, and the influence of E-region neutral winds on this distribution. He addresses neutral dynamics, electrodynamics, and energetics throughout the vertical column of polar E region and coupling aspects with the magnetosphere and lower atmosphere. Other issues he is hurdling: (1) to what degree the Lorentz force on neutral wind extends downward into the E region; (2) how the level of geomagnetic activity and its duration impacts the Joule heating rate, accounting for neutral winds; (3) what are load/generator characteristics of the high-latitude ionosphere and neutral winds' effect on them; and (4) the correlation of enhanced Joule heating rates with local ion temperature. The physical coupling occurring in high-latitude E and interplay of tidal forcing from below, magnetospheric from above, have, until now, been poorly understood. This study, highlighting the importance of the Joule heating rate as a primary high-latitude energy source, will change the tide significantly.