Generation and Evolution of Magnetic Pulsations in the Terrestrial Foreshock Region

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The collisionless shock is a fundamental process in space plasmas that involves energy conversion between electromagnetic fields and particles. Magnetic pulsations in the foreshock region are sites with efficient energy conversion and rich wave-particle interactions. This work studies the magnetic pulsations in the Earth’s foreshock region. It will advance understanding of wave-particle interactions and shock dissipation. Two early career researchers will be supported.The project employs high time resolution spacecraft observations and multi-dimensional fully kinetic simulations. The objectives include: (1) Understand how the magnetic pulsations are generated from instabilities; (2) Understand how secondary waves in the magnetic pulsations are generated and coupled with each other; (3) Understand the plasma energization and wave-particle interaction in the magnetic pulsations. The research uses fully kinetic simulations and spacecraft observations that resolve cross-scale (ion to electron scales) processes with 3D distribution functions, an effective approach to enhance the science impact of the research and achieve closure.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.