Interpretive Studies of Ionospheric Dynamics and Composition

这项研究继续利用体现相关物理学的计算机模型，并将观测结果作为限制和边界条件，探索电离层的动态和构成。 低纬和中纬顶侧电离层中O+、H+和He+的相对组成取决于太阳活动、季节、当地时间、纬度以及F区ExB漂移和中性风的日变率。 PI将确定所有这些参数的灵敏度，以成功解释来自卫星和最近升级的雷达的数据。 他将使用一个新改进的电离层模型，包括一个现实的磁场几何形状，来进行这些研究，并将结果与卫星和地面雷达的观测结果进行比较。 对低纬度地区耗尽等离子体区域的观测显示，所谓的“气泡”向上移动到非常高的高度。 这些耗尽区的运动取决于磁通管的积分电导率，其取决于由于其向上运动而发生的等离子体沿着磁通管的重新分布。 为了进一步了解等离子体气泡的大尺度动力学，PI将采用电离层的单个通量管模型，以根据通量管积分电导率的空间变化来合并漂移。

This research continues exploring ionospheric dynamics and composition by utilizing computer models embodying relevant physics and applying observations as constraints and boundary conditions. The relative composition of O+, H+ and He+ in the low and middle latitude topside ionosphere depends on solar activity, season, local time, latitude and the daily variability of ExB drifts and neutral winds in the F-region. The PI will determine the sensitivity of all these parameters to successfully interpret data from satellites and recently upgraded radars. He will use a newly improved ionosphere model, including a realistic magnetic field geometry, to perform these studies and compare results with observations from satellites and ground-based radars. Observations of depleted plasma regions at low latitudes show so-called 'bubbles' moving upward to very high altitudes. Motion of these depleted regions depends on the flux tube integrated conductivity, which depends on the redistribution of the plasma along the magnetic flux tube taking place as a result of its upward motion. To further understand the large scale dynamics of plasma bubbles, the PI will employ a single flux tube model of the ionosphere to incorporate drift dependent on the spatial variations in the flux tube integrated conductivity.