Collaborative Research: RINGS - RISR INvestigation of the Geospace System

将对高纬度地球空间系统进行协作多仪器调查，其动机是完成了首次部署在地磁极区的决议湾非相干散射雷达RISR-N和RISR-C。RISR-N的初步结果揭示了一个出人意料的结构化和动态的等离子体环境。为了了解这些新的测量结果并充分利用这一新的诊断能力，提议开展一项实验活动，利用并置的光学传感器(法布里-珀罗涉仪和光学中间层热层成像仪)、PolarDARN高频雷达、THEMIS和Norstar相机网络以及全球ISR网络(特别是Sondrestrom、扑克平坦非相干散射雷达和欧洲非相干散射雷达)的数据合成RISR观测数据。该项目将利用RISR提供的新诊断信息来促进对高纬度地球空间系统的合作研究。从这个系统的观点出发，提出了研究的指导问题：1.是什么控制了等离子体密度斑块的内部结构和高频传播特性？2.极光过程如何影响极地电离层的结构和组成，以及全球尺度上的影响？3.极地纬度等离子体和中性气体之间的重要相互作用是什么？4.上述过程如何控制等离子体在高纬度通量管上的分布？该项目将为建模人员提供关于电离层边界的丰富信息，以加强我们对电离层边界的了解。等离子体结构机制的研究将对通信和全球导航卫星系统(GNSS)信号传播产生影响。对等离子体-中性相互作用的研究将揭示低层大气如何驱动全球地球空间系统。这项研究将通过8个机构的国际合作进行(4个来自美国，2个来自加拿大，2个来自日本)。该项目将有助于培养下一代地球物理学家，该团队将包括三名职业生涯早期的调查人员。

A collaborative multi-instrument investigation of the high-latitude geospace system will be carried out, motivated by the completion of the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars RISR-N and RISR-C, the first ever ISRs deployed to the geomagnetic polar regions. Initial results from RISR-N have revealed an unexpectedly structured and dynamic plasma environment. In order to understand these new measurements and to fully exploit this new diagnostic capability, an experimental campaign is proposed that will synthesize RISR observations with data from the collocated optical sensors (Fabry-Perot Interferometer and Optical Mesosphere Thermosphere Imager), the PolarDARN HF (high frequency) radars, the THEMIS and NORSTAR camera networks, and the global ISR network (in particular, Sondrestrom, the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar (PFISR), and the European Incoherent Scatter Radar (EISCAT)). This project will leverage the new diagnostic information provided by RISR to foster collaborative studies of the high latitude geospace system. The guiding questions of the investigation arise from this systems view: 1. What governs the internal structure and HF propagation characteristics of plasma density patches? 2. How do auroral processes affect structure and composition of the polar ionosphere, and what are the global-scale implications? 3. What are the important interactions between the plasma and neutral gases at polar latitudes? 4. How do the aforementioned processes control the distribution of plasma on high-latitude flux tubes? This project will provide a wealth of information on the ionospheric boundary for modelers to enhance our understanding of the ionospheric boundary. The investigation of plasma structuring mechanisms will have implications for communications and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal propagation. The investigation of plasma-neutral interactions will shed light on how the lower atmosphere drives the global geospace system. The research will be carried out through an 8-institution international collaborative (4 from the U.S., 2 from Canada, 2 from Japan). The project will contribute to training the next generation of geophysicists, and the team will include three early career investigators.