Ionisation dynamics in the ionosphere and plasmasphere under the influence of geomagnetic storms

Project: Particle Physics and Astronomy Rearch Council Project 2003-2006

Researcher: Ping Yin

A new technique will be used to reveal the temporal and spatial distribution of ionisation in the ionosphere and plasmasphere over the continents of the Northern Hemisphere. The project will use GPS satellite data to produce four-dimensional 'movies' of the ionisation distribution. A quantitative, large-scale study will then be undertaken of the effects of geomagnetic storms on the dynamics of the plasma and its connections to magnetospheric events. The research will focus on the period of the current solar maximum when the severity of geomagnetic storms is greatest. The results will provide important insights into the physics of geomagnetic storms and will also contribute to improving the accuracy of satellite navigation systems. The project uses both national and international facilities and contributes to two of the three objectives of the PPARC-funded ground-based solar-terrestrial physics facilities, which form part of the UK solar-terrestrial physics programme.