M3-I2 Session 2 - Recap and Organize
Notes by Shasha Zou and the M3-I2 session leaders. Vince Eccles moderated the session.
Robert Strangeway (UCLA) (invited speaker): presented the importance of understanding the ion outflow physics in the terrestrial environment as well as other planets. He briefly reviewed observations from the terrestrial observations, highlighting that precipitating electron density is the single best controlling factor for ion outflow but also the hardest to parameterize in models. He then talked about several areas that progresses should be made in order to further advance our understanding of ion outflow physics.
Naritoshi Kitamura (ISAS/JAXA): presented the comparison between the GPW model results and the Akabono data. He found that the model prediction was 30-500 smaller than data.
Vince Eccles (USU): gave a brief introduction to the Generalized Polar Wind (GPM) model. He announced our AGU session “SM014: Ion upflow/outflow physics and their effects on the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere system” and encouraged submission from the community. He requested community input for the 5 year plan for this focus group. Three subgroups have been suggested within this focus group, including ring current area, plasma sheet/substorm dynamics, as well as ionospheric boundary layer and upflow/outflow conversion.
Open floor: Discussions during the open floor part have been focused on three topics. The first is the effects of ion outflow in the magnetospheric dynamics, including key science questions and necessary methodologies. (1) Particle energy coming out from the ionosphere is important because it determines where the particle lands in the magnetosphere. Particle tracing code would be required for this effort. (2) George Kazhanov commented that anisotropic particle distribution needs kinetic approach and heat flux along magnetic field line in MHD can advance the modeling but it is difficult because of higher order moments needs another equation to close the set. (3) Bob Strangeway commented that it is important to understand “why MHD so successful?”(4) Ion outflow species are important because they determine the ring current lifetime. People working on substorms, plasma sheet will be invited to contribute to these discussions in the future. The second topic discussed was the ion upflow and outflow from the ionosphere. Ionosphere as important lower altitude boundary has been recognized. Kinetic versus fluid modeling issues and energization processes have been discussed. The third topic was individual storm period chosen for a focused study.
