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

研究者正在测量高纬度E区焦耳加热速率的垂直分布，以及E区中性风对该分布的影响。他讨论了中性动力学、电动力学和能量学，贯穿极地E区垂直柱，以及与磁层和低层大气的耦合方面。他还提出了其他问题：(1)中性风的洛伦兹力向下延伸到E区到什么程度；(2)考虑中性风的情况下，地磁活动水平及其持续时间对焦耳加热速率的影响；(3)高纬电离层的负载/发电机特性及中性风对其的影响；(4)焦耳加热速率增强与局部离子温度的相关性。到目前为止，人们对发生在高纬度E地区的物理耦合以及来自下面的潮汐强迫和来自上面的磁层的相互作用知之甚少。这项研究强调了焦耳加热速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.