NSWP: Space Weather Event Modeling of Plasma Injection in the Inner Magnetosphere

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The proposed research will perform simulations of the inner magnetosphere for a variety of well-observed events and compare the output with a suite of both remote and in situ measurements. The simulations will be done using the latest version of the Rice Convection Model (RCM). The motivations are twofold: 1) understand better the central importance of the transfer of depleted plasma sheet flux tubes into the inner magnetosphere; and 2) incorporate this improved understanding into the computational machinery of the RCM in order to enhance and evaluate its use as a practical tool for representing space weather. In addition, the proposed research will serve as a thorough validation of recent significant modifications to the RCM, including but not necessarily limited to the inclusion of magnetic flux tube interchange effects, dipole tilt and the ability to operate with a much broader range of magnetic field configurations. The recent improvements to the RCM also include a simple data assimilation scheme for operational use that ensures model electron fluxes are consistent with available geosynchronous spacecraft data. At the end of the project, the fully validated RCM will be made available to the space science community, either through the Community Coordinated Modeling Center or through Rice University. The project also includes an educational impact through the support of a postdoctoral researcher and a graduate student.