Electric fields and currents and their effects in the near Earth space

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A continuous stream of charged particles from the Sun, the solar wind, carries an embedded interplanetary magnetic field which couples with the Earth's magnetic field to create a cavity called the magnetosphere. The Earth's magnetosphere accumulates particles, some of which precipitate into the upper atmosphere leading to beautiful auroral displays at high latitudes. Precipitating particles and solar illumination create a conducting layer at heights of ~100-300 km called the ionosphere. Electric fields are also established within the magnetosphere; they strongly control particle motion. Magnetospheric electric fields are mapped/transmitted via currents flowing along magnetic field lines into the high-latitude ionosphere. Electric fields are thus involved in various processes in the near Earth environment. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of the electric fields and currents in the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere is fundamentally important for developing physics-based electrodynamical models of the near Earth's space. Such models attempt to predict strong particle precipitation events that are hazardous for humans in space, for the operation of electrical power grids and pipelines on the ground, and for wireless communication. The proposed research program is aimed at studying electric fields and currents in the Earth's ionosphere and their effects. This can be accomplished on a global scale and with a temporal resolution on the order of one minute. Through analysis of data collected by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network, by versatile and powerful incoherent scatter radars (including the forthcoming Canadian radar at Resolute Bay) and by upcoming international satellite missions with strong Canadian participation (e-POP, SWARM and ORBITALS), key questions in space physics will be addressed, such as the mechanisms of energy deposition to the high-latitude ionosphere, energy penetration to middle latitudes and the effects of electric fields and currents on the ionosphere and operation of radio communication systems in the High Arctic.