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General Findings Concerning the Magnetospheric Realm. ILWS - 11 Science Workshop, Beijing, China, Aug-Sep 2011. Some Questions Addressed. What is a substorm ? A global process by which the magnetosphere unloads stored energy, supplied by the solar wind - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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General Findings Concerning
the Magnetospheric Realm
ILWS - 11 Science Workshop, Beijing, China, Aug-Sep 2011
Some Questions Addressed
What is a substorm ?
A global process by which the magnetosphere
unloads stored energy, supplied by the solar wind
However : pseudo-break-ups, isolated flow bursts…
“In - Out” versus “Out - In” scenario
Old controversy
For each scenario there is a story connecting an instability (tail)
evolution to that of the aurora
THEMIS contribution; both scenarios observed =>
probably more than one physical mechanisms
Magnetosphere to Ionosphere mapping
What are the precursors?
Role of auroral streamers as onset precursors
What is the instability that triggers the substorm onset?
Reconnection? NENL?
Current Disruption?
Ballooning?
How does a substorm fit within the larger system
dynamics?
Where are the “big” substorms?
Are substorms occurring during different phases of the
Solar Cycle so different?
What is the magnetospheric response to the unusual
recent solar minimum? What is the radiation belts
response?
2006-2008 radiation belt more robust in the absence of
sustained geomagnetic activity
Slot region widening in 2008-2009
What is the inner magnetosphere response during storms
and substorms?
The main phase ring current system (“Region-2”) is
highly asymmetric and is driven by the pressure of the
inner magnetosphere.
How is plasma transported in the magnetosphere? How is
it accelerated? What is the role of the O+ ions outflow?
Lessons learnt and What do we need to better understand
the magnetospheric dynamics?
Coordinated measurements have revolutionised substorm studies
Global magnetospheric and auroral imaging and multi-probes
(accurate in-situ measurements) are proven critical tools
Importance of ground observations, coordinated with space missions
Small and large scale processes, cross-scale coupling
(THEMIS, progression from Cluster-Double Star to MMS)
Simultaneous and continuous solar and solar wind monitoring
necessary
Simulation and modelling
What do we need to better understand the magnetospheric dynamics?
Missing strategic link:
dedicated line of missions for simultaneous, coordinated in-situ measurements and global observations
Need to cover :
the outer magnetosphere
the inner magnetosphere (ring current, radiation belts, plasmasphere)
the auroral region