Collaborative Research: GEM--Multi-scale Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling Dynamics Driven by Bursty Bulk Flows

这一合作项目的目的是调查地球背面磁层内的快速等离子体流动及其对高层大气（电离层和热层）的影响。快速等离子体流的动力学是一个突出的磁层-电离层-热层耦合问题，与突然的磁场拓扑结构重构和爆炸电流的形成，粒子加速，和能量释放的磁层。该项目的模拟观测结果将显著加深我们对夜侧过渡区磁层-高层大气耦合过程的认识。这笔赠款提供的资金将促进两名年轻研究人员的专业发展，包括一名博士后。PI邹博士，一位女教师，将领导团队，指导早期职业科学家，并为研究生提供建议。本项目利用空间气象建模框架内的双向耦合全球MHD-PIC模型和综合多仪器观测，研究BBF的动力学及其对耦合MIT系统的影响。要解决的具体科学问题包括：（SQ 1）与BBF相关的粒子速度分布是什么？当BBF向地球传播时，它们是如何进化的？(SQ2)FAC在BBF双极化区是如何分布的？它们的黎明-黄昏不对称性是否如最近的理论所暗示的那样？多个BBF和它们的楔形波可以形成传统的SCW吗？(SQ3)在电离层密度结构和气辉发射方面，BBF对夜侧IT系统有什么影响？该项目的结果将对多个新的GEM焦点小组有价值，并将通过加深对导致脉冲能量释放到IT系统中的磁层驱动器的理解而使CEDAR社区受益。该计划还将提高NSF支持的雷达设施、AMPERE和SuperMAG项目的科学回报。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This collaborative project aims to investigate the fast plasma flows within the Earth's nightside magnetosphere and their effects on the upper atmosphere (ionosphere and thermosphere). The dynamics of the fast plasma flows is an outstanding magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling problem associated with sudden magnetic field topology reconfiguration and explosive current formation, particle acceleration, and energy release in the magnetosphere. The simulation-observation results of this project will significantly deepen our understanding of magnetosphere-upper atmosphere coupling processes in the nightside transition region. Funds provided by this grant will promote two young researchers' professional development, including one postdoc. PI Dr. Zou, a female faculty member, will lead the team, mentor the early career scientists, and advise graduate students. This project studies the dynamics of BBFs and their effects on the coupled MIT system using a two-way coupled global MHD-PIC model within the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) and comprehensive multi-instrument observations. Specific science questions to be addressed include: (SQ1) What are the particle velocity distributions associated with BBF? How do they evolve as BBF propagates earthward? (SQ2) How are the FACs distributed in the BBF dipolarization regions? Are their dawn-dusk asymmetries as suggested by recent theory? Can multiple BBFs and their wedgelets form the traditional SCW? (SQ3) What is the impact of BBF on the nightside IT system in terms of ionospheric density structures and airglow emission? The results of this project will be valuable to multiple new GEM focus groups and will also benefit the CEDAR community by deepening the understanding of the magnetospheric drivers that cause impulsive energy release into the IT system. The proposed activity will also enhance the scientific return of the NSF-supported radar facilities, AMPERE, and SuperMAG projects.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.