High-Latitude Ionospheric Composition and its Importance to Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling

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This project will combine first-principles modeling with extant observations and novel data analysis techniques to develop a more complete description of ion composition at high-latitudes, particularly regarding drivers of its variability and its role in regulating the amount and types of ionospheric ions supplied to the magnetosphere. Specifically, theoretical modeling will be used to quantify the efficacy of factors governing ion composition, and a new technique of estimating ion composition from incoherent scatter radar (ISR) data will be developed and applied to a large database of high-latitude measurements acquired from the Sondrestrom and AMISR facilities in particular. Measurements by POLAR/TIMAS mission will also be incorporated in the analysis to assess the relationship between ion outflow and variations in molecular composition. The improved radar remote sensing capability resulting from this work will be available for community benefit and will contribute to advancements in understanding magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling at high latitudes with implications for space weather prediction and mitigation as well as CEDAR and GEM science.