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NASA NTRS2002

Plasmasphere Empirical Modeling with the IMAGE Mission

Empirical models of plasmaspheric properties date from the pioneering work of Storey where he developed the analysis of ground whistler observations that lead to his estimate for the equatorial plasma density at L=3. The most recent in situ satellite study takes us to 1000 CRRES satellite passes and a statistical analysis of the plasmapause location at all local times and for varying geomagnetic conditions by Moldwin et al. These and many other studies over the intervening 49 years have given us a strong familiarity with the distribution of cold plasmaspheric ions throughout the magnetosphere. The major components of inner plasmasphere, nightside bulge, sunward convection tail, and plasmapause are all well established. Storm-time erosion and the resulting ionospheric refilling has been encompassed, even if not completely understood. Small-scale density variations near the plasmapause and extending at least to geosynchronous orbit have been characterized in a variety of ways, even though we do not yet understand their origin. This paper will present early empirical modeling results from the inversion of IMAGE/EW global intensity images to density distributions. Densities are obtained in this initial study through use of forward image modeling with a simple 3-parameter plasmaspheric and plasmapause mathematical model. Individual interior plasmaspheric density profiles and plasmapause locations are obtained every 10 degrees in magnetic local time for each E W image analyzed. Derived profile parameters are statistically characterized in the context of storm magnitude and evolution. Identified patterns in the appearance of plasmaspheric structures, plasmapause erosion, and refilling will be presented. Comparisons to existing empirical plasmaspheric models and the implications for new modeling will be presented. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Gallagher, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Comparison of Two IRI Plasmasphere Extensions with GPS-TEC Observations

Two plasmasphere extensions of the International Reference Ionosphere are made available for the users. It is aimed to estimate the effect of charged particles on technical devices in the Earth's environment and to define the ionosphere-plasmasphere operational conditions compatible with existing and future systems of radio communication, radio navigation and other relevant radio technologies in the ranges of medium and higher frequencies. The Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM-2000) of Gallagher et al. (2000) is an empirical description of thermal plasma densities in the plasmasphere, plasmapause, magnetospheric trough, and polar cap. GCPM-2000 uses the Kp index and is coupled to IRI in the transition region 500-600 km. The IZMIRAN plasmasphere model (Chasovitin et al., 1998; Gulyaeva et al., 2002) is an empirical model based on whistler and satellite observations. It presents global vertical analytical profiles of electron density smoothly fitted to IRI electron density profile at 1000 km altitude and extended towards the plasmapause (up to 36,000 km). For the smooth fitting of the two models, the shape of the IRI topside electron density profile is improved using ISIS 1, ISIS 2, and IK19 satellite inputs (Gulyaeva, 2003). The plasmasphere model depends on solar activity and magnetic activity (kp-index). The two IRI plasmasphere extensions are compared in the present study with the total electron content derived from records of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS-TEC) observations for different latitudinal, solar activity, magnetic activity, diurnal and seasonal conditions. The differences of model TEC with observed TEC in the topside ionosphere and plasmasphere are discussed.

Gulyacva, Tamara↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Circulation of the Plasmasphere Fluid during the Erosion Event on September 8, 2017

A strong solar wind pressure pulse triggered the magnetic storm on September 7, 2017. Near the end of September 7, the z-component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) dropped from 9 to -10 nT in 30 min. The IMF Bz remained at the level of -10 nT for 2 hours and then had another rapid drop to -31 nT in 30 min. The sudden plunge of IMF Bz and the associated strong convection electric field stirred up the storm main phase with Dst falling from 0 to -122 nT from 2200 UT on September 7 to 0200 UT on the 8th. Severe plasmasphere erosion was observed on September 8 by multiple spacecraft, such as the Van Allen Probes and the Arase satellite. In this study, we examine the fate of the eroded plasmasphere particles during this event by model simulation as well as satellite data analysis. The simulation tool we use is the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF)/Block-Adaptive Tree Solarwind Roe-type Upwind Scheme (BATS-R-US) model coupled with the Comprehensive Inner Magnetosphere-Ionosphere (CIMI) model. One of the distinctive capabilities of the SWMF/BATSRUS-CIMI model is that it treats the cold plasmas in the plasmasphere as a separate fluid in the MHD equations. As a result, the transport and circulation of the plasmasphere fluid in the global magnetosphere can be traced and the impacts of this cold fluid on the global magnetosphere can be evaluated. In this paper, we will show how the drainage plume is formed during the storm and how the plasmasphere fluid is transported to the flank and lobe regions and eventually to the plasma sheet and reenters into the plasmasphere. We will validate our simulation by plasmasphere signatures observed in both the inner and outer magnetosphere.

Mei-Ching Fok↗
NASA NTRS1986

Dual-spacecraft measurements of plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling

An extensive set of plasmaspheric measurements by the DE 1 satellite and ionospheric measurements by the DE 2 satellite are presented. The developments in the ionosphere and plasmasphere during the recovery phase of a magnetospheric storm are described. Isolated profile comparisons are used to indicate some of the structural relations and complexities involving the ionosphere and plasmasphere latitudinal profiles. A transition in the ionospheric electron temperature Te from a relatively smooth profile of low Te at the base of the inner plasmasphere to enhanced and highly structured Te at higher invariant latitudes occurs near or along a plasmaspheric density gradient. Plasmaspheric enhancements of the heavy ions O(+) and O(2+) are often closely aligned with distinct ionospheric Te enhancements.

Horwitz, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Plasmasphere refilling - Recent observations and modeling

The phenomenon of plasmasphere refilling and general considerations of plasmasphere structure and plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling have received increased attention in recent years in terms of both observational considerations and modeling investigations. 'Global' observational and modeling studies of the plasmasphere structure are in the process of demonstrating the complex manner in which refilling and the spatial and temporal variations of convection interplay to produce complex structure in the plasmasphere; these studies are particularly timely as they could be extremely helpful for interpreting results from proposed imaging of plasmaspheric He(+). This review highlights the observational and theoretical/modeling progress during the past few years as well as introduces and places in context the particular contributions contained in this special section.

Singh, M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Simulated images of the plasmasphere

In preparation for the upcoming IMI mission to image the Earth's inner magnetosphere, we have simulated several images for two EUV emission lines in the plasmasphere. Two main candidates for remote sensing of the plasmasphere are He II 304 A and O II 834 A emissions, both of which are excited by resonantly scattered sunlight. Despite the technical difficulties associated with observing a faint plasmaspheric emission component above the bright disk, the possibility of remotely imaging upflowing O(+) ions pouring into the plasmasphere is compelling enough that the IMI mission payload is likely to include an 834 A imager. We have simulated these two emissions as seen from a nominal IMI orbit, using a constant model plasmasphere and upflowing ion rate. The resulting images show a rough idea of what may be expected from the IMI plasmasphere imagers.

Gladstone, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Empirical Modeling of the Plasmasphere

Over 40 years of ground and spacecraft plasmaspheric measurements have resulted in many statistical descriptions of plasmaspheric properties. In some cases, these properties have been represented as analytical descriptions that are valid for specific regions or conditions. For the most part, what has not been done is to extend regional empirical descriptions or models to the plasmasphere as a whole. In contrast, many related investigations depend on the use of representative plasmaspheric conditions throughout the inner magnetosphere. Wave propagation, involving the transport of energy through the magnetosphere, is strongly affected by thermal plasma density and its composition. Ring current collisional and wave particle losses also strongly depend on these quantities, Plasmaspheric also plays a secondary role in influencing radio signals from the Global Positioning System satellites. The Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) is an attempt to assimilate previous empirical evidence and regional models for plasmaspheric density into a continuous, smooth model of then-nal plasma density in the inner magnetosphere. In that spirit, the International Reference Ionosphere is currently used to complete the low altitude description of density and composition in the model. The models and measurements on which the GCPM is currently based and its relationship to IRI will be discussed.

Gallagher, Dennis L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Plasmasphere as "Seen" by the IMAGE Mission

The Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) is the first mission designed exclusively to remotely measure the magnetosphere. As such, it will reveal the ring current, plasmasphere, polar cusp, and magnetopause as whole extended, interacting systems. For the first time, our impressions of the global magnetosphere, synthesized through many years of whistler and in situ measurement, will be replaced by images. The overall morphology of each system of plasma and the correspondence of changes between them in response to the sun and solar wind will become available. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUV) and the Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) are the two IMAGE instruments which will remotely measure and image the plasmasphere. What we expect to "see" from these instruments and how it may be interpreted is the subject of this presentation. The EUV instrument includes three optical cameras, with an almost 90 degree field of view, transverse to the spin axis. EUV is designed to see He+ ions in resonantly scatter solar light at 30.4rim. The IMAGE spacecraft will spin with a period of about 2 minutes, with its spin axis parallel to the orbit normal. The IMAGE orbit will be highly inclined, with a high latitude apogee at a geocentric distance of 8RE and perigee of about 1.2RE. The normal observing integration time of 10 minutes will easily see to the outer edge of the plasmasphere. The RPI instrument makes use of three orthoganal dipole antennas: two in the spin plane with a tip-to-tip length of 500m and one along the spin axis with a length of 20 meters. Using coded pulse transmissions, the RPI instrument will broadcast from 3kHz to 3MHz. With one minute resolution, plasma densities from about 0.1 cm(exp -3) to 100,000 cm(exp -3), along with line-of-sight bulk velocities and locations, will be obtained from all returned radio wave signals. When transmitting from the high latitude magnetospheric cavity, RPI will measure density profiles for the major plasma structures in the magnetosphere, including the magnetopause, polar cusp, and plasmasphere. RPI should also see isolated density irregularities and possibly the plasma sheet. Observations The EUV instrument will return line-of-sight integrated images through the optically thin helium medium of the plasmasphere and magnetosphere. A variety of techniques have been suggested for the translation of the images into physically useful data, such as plasmapause location and three dimensional density distribution. The RPI instrument will return quantitative density values and line-of-sight velocity as a function of position along reflecting wave propagation paths. How they may be used individually and together to study plasmaspheric dynamics and global structure will be discussed. Attention will also be given to the data products and how access to IMAGE data will be provided by the IMAGE team and the NSSDC.

Gallagher, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

IMAGE EUV Observations and Modeling of the Plasmaspheric Density Trough Associated with the 24 May 2000 Geomagnetic Storm

The IMAGE EUV imager observed a plasmaspheric density trough in association with a geomagnetically active period on 24 May 2000. At EUV wavelengths, this density trough appeared as an Archimedes spiral extending from Earth's shadow to approximately 1800 MLT. We present an analysis of this density trough using simulated EUV images. Observational EUV images are subjected to edge analysis to establish the plasmapause L-shell and the location of the density trough in terms of L-shell, MLT extent, and radial width. The plasmaspheric density distribution is modeled using both static and dynamic models for the plasmasphere. The background plasmasphere is then numerically simulated using the 4-parameter plasmaspheric density model contained within the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) [Gallagher et al., 20001 and the Dynamic Global Core Plasma Model (DGCPM). Simulated EUV images of the model plasmasphere are produced once an artificial density depletion, matching the observed MLT extent and width, has been removed. Once the azimuthal extent and width of the trough have been simulated, the depth of the artificial density depletion is iteratively adjusted to produce simulated EUV images that approximate observation. The results of this analysis and discussion of possible origins for this density trough will be presented.

Adrian, M.L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Large-Scale Plasmaspheric Density Trough Associated With the 24 May 2000 Geomagnetic Storm: IMAGE EUV Observations and Global Core Plasma Modeling

The IMAGE EUV imager observed a plasmaspheric density, trough in association with a geomagnetically active period on 24 May 2000. In EUV, this density, trough appears as an Archimedes spiral extending from Earth's shadow to approximately 1900 MLT. We present an analysis of this density trough using simulated EUV images, Observational EUV images are subjected to edge analysis to establish the plasmapause L-shell and the location of the density trough in terms of L-shell, MLT extent, and radial width. The plasmaspheric density distribution is modeled using both static and dynamic models for the plasmasphere. The background plasmasphere is then numerically simulated using the 4-parameter plasmaspheric density model contained within the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) and the Dynamic Global Core Plasma Model (DGCPM). Simulated EUV images of the model plasmasphere are produced once an artificial density, depletion, matching the observed MLT extent and width, has been removed. Once the azimuthal extent and width of the trough have been simulated, the depth of the artificial density depletion is iteratively adjusted to produce simulated EUV images that approximate observation. The results of this analysis and discussion of possible origins for this density trough will be presented.

Adrian, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Plasmaspheric Density Troughs: Global IMAGE EUV Observations and Analysis via Global Core Plasma Modeling

To date, the IMAGE EUV camera has observed several plasmaspheric density trough features inside the plasmapause under a wide range of geomagnetic activity. From the perspective of EUV, a density trough feature appears as a channel of diminished pixel counts which spans a width of L-shell (DELTA L) and magnetic local time (MLT) inside the plasmapause. Plasmaspheric density troughs are found to be morphologically complex possessing considerable spatial and temporal variability. We present an analysis of the evolution of trough DELTA L and MLT extent as functions of associated D (sub ST) and K (sub p) history. Trough features range in size from 0.16 less than or equal to DELTA L less than or equal to 1.2 with azimuthal extent from 1500 less than or equal to MLT less than or equal to 1200. All cases of plasmaspheric density troughs studied to date appear to have evolved as a result of the inner edge of the afternoon/evening plasma drainage plume being wrapped around through the nightside plasmasphere. The structure of plasmaspheric density trough features is further probed by analyzing simulated EUV images produced by forward modeling artificially introduced regions of depleted density into both static and dynamic global core plasmaspheric models. Forward modeling suggests that (1) L-shell refilling of density troughs during storm recovery can be modeled as filling from the ionosphere toward the equator (i.e., bottom-up refilling), and (2) that an erosion process is operating within flux tubes beyond the outer L-shell wall of the observed density troughs.

Adrian, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Thermal Plasma Flow During Plasmaspheric Erosion

Our picture of plasmaspheric erosion is dominated by a simple model of corotational and enhanced convective motion and by many decades of plasmapause boundary measurement. Observational evidence for the plasma motion that lowers the outer plasmaspheric boundary has largely been unavailable. A new analysis technique for the IMAGE Mission extreme ultraviolet imager (EUV) instrument now offers to reveal motion in the plasmaspheric boundary layer as enhanced global and meso-scale convection penetrates the quite-time plasmasphere. IMAGE EUV provides good global coverage of the striking plasmaspheric erosion that took place on July 10,2000. During this erosion event divergent flows in the vicinity of the plasmapause and centered initially near 2 hours MLT have been found. Over a period of about 1 hour the center of divergent flow drifts dawnward to almost 4 hours MLT. Plasma flows during this storm and others imaged by IMAGE EUV will be discussed along with their implication for the process of plasmaspheric erosion.

Gallagher, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Long-term Average Spectral and Spatial Distributions of Plasmaspheric Hiss Observed by the Akebono and IMAGE Satellites

The radiation belt slot region is known to result from losses of energetic electrons by enhanced pitch-angle scattering by whistler mode waves associated with plasmaspheric hiss emission. The distributions of whistler mode waves in the slot L range are therefore important for understanding the electron radiation belt. The sources and distributions of the waves are, however, still controversial. In the present study, using the Akebono/MCA data [1989-20051 and the IMAGE/RPI data [2000-20051, we have constructed the average plasmaspheric hiss spectral distributions over a broad frequency range. In addition, we have investigated the spatial distributions of plasmaspheric hiss with the wave map technique [Green et a1.(2005)]. Our study shows that the broadband plasmaspheric hiss are distributed in the frequency range of 100Hz to several kHz, and exhibit a broad intensive peak. The frequency of the intensity peak tends to increase with magnetic latitude. The frequencies of the most intense waves in the nominal slot L range (2<3) during quiet times (Dst>-50nT) are found to be between 300Hz and 600Hz on average. During high storm activity (Dst <-150nT), however, the peak frequencies become slightly lower. The intensity of plasmaspheric hiss clearly depends on substorm activity as measured by the AE index, consistent with Meredith et a1.(2004). The hiss wave intensity maps also show a strong local time asymmetry. The large amplitude waves are observed at 6:OO-19:OO MLT. From our extensive analysis, we have also found an L dependence of hiss activity, with the larger amplitude waves being observed at lower L during substorm active conditions. The same tendency can be found for solar activity. The average intensities of the waves during 1989-1991 and 2000-2001 are a few dB larger than those during 1992-1997 and 2005. The most intense waves are observed at lower L during high solar activity. The statistical study on spectrum features of the plasmaspheric hiss together with the spatial distribution show clear dependences of storm, substorm and solar activities.

Fung, Shing↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Flow of Plasmaspheric Plasma in the Inner Magnetosphere: An Introduction to a Subtopic and the Methodology

The spatial and temporal variation of plasmaspheric mass throughout the inner magnetosphere as a function of changing geomagnetic and solar wind conditions is a consequence of its transport throughout the system. It is proposed that the global measurement of 30.4 -nm EUV emission from plasmaspheric He+ can be used to derive the mass transport pathways, as well as the dynamic conditions and locations of when specific pathways are active. This is to be accomplished using observations obtained by the Extreme Ultraviolet Instrument (EUV) on the Imager for Magnetopause -to-Aurora Global Exploration Mission (IMAGE). Questions to be addressed by this approach include evaluation of whether plasmaspheric transport fully accounts for the plasma lost through erosion a nd plume formation, through inward compression of the plasmapause, or by plasma redistributed back into the ionosphere? Does plasmaspheric erosion begin near 3h MLT, sweeping plasma dawnward and duskward as some report? Can the mass in a persistent plume be accounted for by continued loss from within the body of the plasmasphere or must the ionosphere be an active source? These questions are part of the broader unresolved morphology of the global circulation of plasmaspheric plasma through the magnetosphere to be lost into the solar wind, recirculated, or returned to the ionosphere. An initial demonstrations of the methodology and corresponding results will be presented.

Gallagher, D. L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Circulation of the Plasmasphere Fluid during the Erosion Event on September 8, 2017

A strong solar wind pressure pulse triggered the magnetic storm on September 7-8, 2017. Near the end of September 7, the z-component of the IMF Bz dropped from 9 to -10 nT in 30 min and then had another rapid drop to -31 nT in 30 min. The sudden plunge of IMF Bz and the associated strong convection electric field stirred up the storm main phase with Dst falling from 0 to -122 nT from 2200 UT on September 7 to 0200 UT on the 8th. Severe plasmasphere erosion was observed on September 8 by multiple spacecraft, such as the Van Allen Probes and the Arase satellite. In this study, we examine the fate of the eroded plasmasphere particles during this event by model simulation as well as satellite data analysis. The simulation tool we use is the SWMF/BATS-R-US model coupled with the CIMI model. The cold plasmas in the plasmasphere is treated as a separate fluid in the MHD equations. As a result, the transport and circulation of the plasmasphere fluid in the global magnetosphere can be traced and the impacts of this cold fluid on the global magnetosphere can be evaluated. In this paper, we will show how the drainage plume is formed during the storm and how the plasmasphere fluid is transported to the flank and lobe regions and eventually to the plasma sheet and reenters into the inner magnetosphere. We will validate our simulation by plasmasphere signatures observed in both the inner and outer magnetosphere.

Mei-Ching Fok↗
NASA NTRS1993

A two-dimensional model of the plasmasphere - Refilling time constants

A 2D model of the plasmasphere has been developed to study the temporal evolution of plasma density in the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere. This model includes the supply and loss of hydrogen ions due to ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling as well as the effects of E x B convection. A parametric model describing the required coupling fluxes has been developed which utilizes empirical models of the neutral atmosphere, the ionosphere and the saturated plasmasphere. The plasmaspheric model has been used to examine the time it takes for the plasmasphere to refill after it has been depleted by a magnetic storm. The time it takes for the plasmasphere to reach 90 percent of its equilibrium level ranges from 3 days at L = 3 during solar minimum to as high as 100 days at L = 5 during solar maximum. Refilling is also dependent on the month of the year, with refilling requiring a longer period of time at solar maximum during June than during December for L greater than 3.2.

Rasmussen, Craig E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Modeling the Plasmasphere

The plasmasphere has often been considered one of the more boring regions in the magnetosphere. Its low energy plasma doesn't begin to compete against the free sources of energy available in the ring current, auroral zone, or plasma sheet. Its best known feature is its relatively highly density, archived as a result of prolonged accumulation of ionospheric outflow onto corotating flux tubes. On second look, however, the plasmasphere can be found to exhibit a remarkable influence on its more energetic cousins and display convection behavior indicative of physical processes acting throughout the magnetosphere for which we have no explanation. Plasmaspheric plasma densities and composition of heavy ions are particularly sensitive to heating by processes active in the ionosphere and all along field lines. Wave propagation and instabilities, collisional losses in the ring current, and heat transport from superthermal electrons are all equally sensitive to dense, heavy plasmaspheric densities and density gradients. It is in this context that we seek to characterize plasmaspheric populations using event based, empirical, and physical modeling methods. The modeling approaches, the challenges, and some of the results of these efforts will be presented.

Gallagher, Dennis L↗
NASA NTRS1998

Effects of Convection Electric Fields on Modeled Plasmaspheric Densities and ccc Temperatures

This paper examines the effects of convection electric fields on plasmaspheric H+, O+, He+, and N+ densities and electron and ion temperatures. These effects are studied with the aid of the Field Line Interhemispheric Plasma (FLIP) model, which has recently been extended to include the effects of ExB drifts. The FLIP model solves the continuity and momentum equations for the major ion species as well as the energy equations for ions and electrons along entire drifting flux tubes from 100 km altitude in the northern hemisphere to 100 km altitude in the southern hemisphere. Electron heating in the ionosphere and plasmasphere is provided by the solution of two-stream equations for photoelectrons. The dawn-dusk electric field imposed by the solar wind causes changes in plasmaspheric density and temperature as the plasma drifts onto flux tubes having different volumes. In an idealized convection model, outward drifts in the afternoon cause decreases in the plasmasphere density and temperature while inward drifts in the evening cause increases in plasmasphere density and temperature. In this paper we examine the effects of convection electric fields on the rate of refilling of flux tubes and investigate the hypothesis that convection electric fields are responsible for the unusually high evening electron temperatures and the post-midnight density maxima often observed in the winter ionosphere above Millstone Hill.

Comfort, Richard H.↗