M-I Coupling: An Investigation of the Ionospheric Response to Changes in Magnetospheric Convection

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The incompressibility of the ionosphere has led to the paradox that it appears as if the ionosphere must sometimes drive the magnetosphere. To understand this problem the mechanism by which information is transferred from one part of the ionosphere to another must be examined. This project will investigate the role of the fast-mode plasma wave and how it propagates in the ionospheric waveguide. The investigation will look at how far fast-mode waves can travel and how they couple to shear-mode Alfeven waves. Strongly coupled waves would imply that the propagation is controlled by the lower altitude ionosphere's properties. This will provide a definitive answer to whether or not the magnetosphere can be driven by the ionosphere.