Space Weather: Evaluation of High Latitude Ionospheric Potential Distribution Models Using DMSP Data

这是一项通过将预测结果与国防气象卫星计划（DMSP）卫星的现场静电测量结果进行比较，对广泛使用的电离层等离子体对流模型的能力进行定量测试的研究。 空间气象预报的一个关键需要是建立一个可靠的模型，说明极冠电离层静电电位分布模式和极冠交叉电位降对太阳风条件变化的反应。 迄今为止，最全面的模型是一个基于动力学探索者-2号卫星数据的球谐展开模型。 研究人员将评估这一模型，以提供作为行星际磁场变化函数的DMSP卫星原位测量偏差的定量描述。 他们将比较观测到的和预测的沿沿着卫星轨道的潜在分布，以量化可归因于时间变化和来自模型的真实的变化的差异。 这项工作最终将有助于开发更先进的高纬度潜在分布模型，用于空间气象预报。

This is a study to quantitatively test the capabilities of a widely-used model of ionospheric plasma convection by comparing predictions to in situ electrostatic measurements from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. One of the critical needs of space weather forecasting is a reliable model of the polar cap ionospheric electrostatic potential distribution pattern and the cross cap potential drop as they respond to changing conditions in the solar wind. To date the most comprehensive model is one using a spherical harmonic expansion based on data from the Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite. The investigators will evaluate this model to provide quantitative descriptions of the deviations from in situ DMSP satellite measurements as a function of interplanetary magnetic field variability. They will compare observed and predicted potential distributions along the satellite tracks to quantify differences attributable to time variations and real variations from the model. Ultimately, this work will help develop more advanced models of the high-latitude potential distribution for use in space weather forecasts.