Scientific Programme

Magnetotellurics is a method to image the subsurface electrical conductivity structure through electromagnetic induction, where the source field is provided by natural electromagnetic signals of magnetosphere-inonosphere origin. From some very long (ground observatory) records more or less regular variations of the response function have been observed. If the subsurface is constant, any variation in the response function refer to processes in the source field, e.g. to plasmaphysical processes of the outer environment.

Papers dealing with periodic modulation of electromagnetic response function are sought. Presentations focusing on field observations at low, middle and high latitudes, and on associated ionospheric and magnetospheric sources behaviour are welcome.

Convener: Laszlo Szarka, Geodetic and Geophysical Research Institute,Hungarian Academy of Sciences,H-9400 Sopron, Csatkai u. 6-8, Hungary; tel: +36 99 508342; fax: +36 99 508355; e-mail: szarka@ggki.hu

Co-conveners: Jan Lastovicka, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Czech Republic; Michelle Menvielle, CETP Observatoire de Saint.Maur, France

I03. Continental Lithospheric formation and deformation
In honour of Toni Ádám's 80th anniversary

Divs. I and V 1/2 day

Convener: Alan G. Jones, School of Cosmic Physics, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 5 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland; tel: +353 1 653 5147; fax: +353 1 443 0575; e-mail: alan@cp.dias.ie

Co-convener: Miora Mandea, GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Germany

I04. Near surface and environmental studies using electromagnetic induction

With the development of new technologies, new instruments, and improved data-processing, electromagnetic methods are able to image shallow structures with applications to many environmental problems. Examples include contaminated unconfined aquifers associated with landfills, landslides, seawater intrusion in coastal areas, the detection of cavities, and the detection of sinkholes and caves in karstic areas. Recently, landmines and unexploded ordnance hazard have appeared as other fields where electromagnetic methods can provide useful applications. We would like to invite contributions related to the issues discussed above, including case studies, the development of novel applications of electromagnetic methods in hydrogeophysics, and the joint inversion of electromagnetic data with other geophysical datasets.

Convener: Gad El-Qady, National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Helwan, 11722 Cairo, Egypt. Tel.+2010-1547090, Fax.+202-25548020, e-mail: gadosan@nriag.sci.eg gadosan@yahoo.com

Co-convener: Andre Revil, Colorado School of Mines, USA.

I05.  Deep mantle structure imaged by electromagnetic observations using long-period MT, cables and satellites. EM studies in oceans.
In memory of Ulrich Schmucker (1930-2008)

Div. I and ICDC

An increasing number of initiatives have been taken to study the electromagnetic (EM) signature of the Earth’s crust and mantle. These initiatives include both the acquisition of new high quality data obtained at the planet surface and/or from satellite and development of new tools for the analysis and interpretation of EM data and its comparison with other geophysical and geological data. We encourage presentations addressing these and related questions comparing or integrating different geophysical methods and models, with special focus on EM works that synthesize regional and global compilations to increase our understanding of lithospheric - asthenospheric structure and processes behind its formation and evolution, as well as studies related to new developments on deep EM methods. The session is completed with papers about EM studies in the ocean.

/Convener/: Juanjo Ledo, Dept. Geodinamica i Geofisica, Facultat de Geologia, c/ Marti i Franques, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; tel: +34 93 403 5911; fax: +34 93 402 1340; e-mail: jledo@ub.edu.es

/Co-convener/: S.G. Gokarn, Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, India.

I06. Crustal tectonic processes constrained by electromagnetic observations
       In memory of Mark Berdichevsky

Div. I

Study of the crustal processes helps to delineate the natural resources, seismically active zones, geothermal regions etc. The session is devoted to research contribution of electromagnetic studies in resolving structural features of crust ranging from Archean to Recent in age. Recent review paper on EM investigations of the lithosphere in Europe provided an overview of the large-scale EM surveys on a regional scale. We particularly invite such large scale studies. The session also addressed the role of EM in monitoring crustal processes. EM monitoring of seismic and volcanic processes have examined correlation of electrical resistivity models with crustal melting, seismicity, and fault zones. Convener: T. Harinarayana, Magnetotellurics Division, National Geophysics Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad – 500 007, India; tel: +91 40 23434613; fax: +91 40 23434651; e-mail: thari54@yahoo.com

Co-convener: Yasuo Ogawa, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan

I07. EM modelling and inversion

Div. I

In all areas of applied geophysics numerical methods are increasingly important. The interpretation of electric and electromagnetic field data is impossible without adequate numerical modeling and inversion codes. Growing computer power and new numerical algorithms propel the methodological development of modeling and inversion techniques Although these techniques are as close to reality as never before, nature still holds a lead due to the multi-scaled complexity of its materials. The boundaries between classical methods as dc resistivity, induction and electromagnetic wave methods dissolve. The physical responses of dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability mingle with pure inductive processes. Three-dimensionality, topography, complex geometry, anisotropy, large parameter contrasts, discretization and parallelization are just a few key words of current research in the field of simulation. Classical and alternative inversion concepts allowing for smooth or sharp boundaries, parametrization strategies, stochastic approaches for global minimum search, all-at-once approaches, resolution analysis, model appraisal, and sensitivity studies represent current areas of research in the field of inverse problems. Besides pure numerical topics, the presentation of specialized codes for marine, land-based, airborne or any other electromagnetic application are of great interest for practitioners and developers.

Concluding, we invite contributions to all methodological and computational approaches in all areas of electric and electromagnetic methods.

Convener: Klaus Spitzer, Institute of Geophysics – TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Gustav-Zeuner-Str. 12, 09596 Freiberg, Germany; tel: +49 3731 39 2722; fax: +49 3731 39 2636; e-mail: klaus.spitzer@geophysik.tu-freiberg.de

Co-convener: Weerachai Siripunvaraporn, Mahidol University, Thailand

I11. Developments in magnetic anisotropy

Div. I

Conventional AMS measurements have been widely used in studying the magnetic fabric of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. This session intends to be a forum for papers dealing with the AMS of any of the mentioned rock types, preferably in combination with a detailed rock-magnetism study and other anisotropies of the magnetic properties, such as the anisotropy of remanence or high field anisotropy. Presentations about the applications of variable AC field amplitude and frequency in studying the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility, as a new technique to help the interpretation of anomalous or inverse fabric, are especially welcome

Convener: Emö Marton, Eötvös Loránd Geophysical Institute, Columbus u. 17-23, 1145 Budapest, Hungary; tel: +36 319 3203; fax: +36 248 0379; e-mail: paleo@elgi.hu

Co-conveners: Fransesca Cifelli, Uni. Of Roma III, Italy; Martin Chadima, Agico, Czech Republic; M. Irene B. Raposo, Univ.Sao Paulo, Brazil

I12. Palaeointensity and archaeointensity – results and their implications, methodological advances, and open issues

Div. I

Records of ancient geomagnetic field intensity variations are being produced at an accelerating rate from igneous, sedimentary, and baked archaeological materials and are being applied to such diverse and exciting topics in geoscience as geodynamo theory, climatology, and mantle convection. All of this in spite of the well-documented difficulties associated with producing reliable measurements which have themselves motivated a rapidly growing number of studies focused on improving the experimental and analytical methodologies. We solicit presentations based on any aspect of palaeointensity (absolute and relative) and archaeointensity determination and particularly welcome contributions which directly address controversial issues associated with either the acquisition of intensity records or their implications for important, interdisciplinary problems.

Convener: Andy Biggin, Palaeomagnetic Laboratory Fort Hoofddijk, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 17, Utrecht 3584 CD, Netherlands; tel: +31 30 253 5246; fax: +31 30 253 1677; e-mail: biggin@geo.uu.nl

Co-conveners: Simo Spassov, Centre de Physique du Globe, Belgium; Mimi Hill, Univ. Liverpool, UK

I13. Paleomagnetic, geomagnetic and rock-magnetic procedures: field tests, instrumentation, statistics

Div. I 1/2 day

The rock and sedimentary record of the Earth magnetic field is based on straightforward principles established since more than fifty years. Nevertheless, continuous research in this field and progressive extension of the paleomagnetic database, progressively opened a “Pandora box” of complex phenomena related to the formation of iron minerals, and the acquisition of a magnetic remanence in weak fields. A deep understanding of these phenomena requires an interdisciplinary approach that spans from pure mathematics, to mineral physics, geochemistry, climatology and biology. Emerging techniques, such as nanoscale magnetic imaging, magnetic tomography of fine particles, single crystal demagnetization, as well as new paleointensity procedures, are now emerging frontiers that will be addressed in this session. Contributions describing novel instrumentation, (geo)magnetic data acquisition and analysis procedures, rock magnetism, paleointensity, and magnetic imaging techniques are welcomed, especially in a combined approach that allows a reliable cross-check of new theories and models.

Convener: Ramon Egli, Luwig-Maximilians University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Theresien str. 41, 80333 Munich, Germany; tel: +49 89 21804238; fax: +49 89 21804205; e-mail: egli@geophysik.uni-muenchen.de

Co-conveners: Fabio Donadini, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA; Karl Fabian, Norwegian Geological Survey, Norway

I14. Geo- and paleo-magnetic data constraints on geodynamo models

Div. I and SEDI

Geodynamo models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can now be used to elucidate specific processes such as polarity reversal, characteristics of the secular variation, and morphology of the time-averaged field. At the same time paleomagnetic studies are producing more reliable data, in increasing quantities, for the ancient geomagnetic field, and satellites are producing better resolutionin both time and space for the present geomagnetic field. This three-fold advance has allowed combinations of theory and measurement at a level not possible until now.

This session will focus on studies that use dynamo theory to address specific observational characteristics of the geomagnetic field, and those that use observations to constrain dynamo theories. We solicit contributions on observation, interpretation and modelling of geomagnetic variations on all time scales. We particularly welcome contributions featuring dynamo models and theory capable of explaining field reversals and excursions, and the long term behavior of the geomagnetic field.

Convener: Johannes Wicht, Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Germany; e-mail: wicht@linmpi.mpg.de

Co-convener: Roman Leonhardt, Montanuniversität Loeben, Belgium

I15. Rock magnetism: theory, experiments and observations

Div. I

Rock magnetism underpins our interpretation of numerous paleomagnetic and environmental magnetic phenomena, yet there are a number of areas within rock magnetism that are evolving rapidly and may lead to new understandings and applications. This session welcomes contributions to applied and fundamental rock magnetic research from all areas ranging from basic mineral identification to geological interpretation. Both field and laboratory-based studies are encouraged, as well as numerical simulations and theoretical applications. Topics for this session include, but are not limited to, magnetic and non-magnetic mineral identification techniques (e.g., low-temperature magnetometry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic hysteresis, electron microscopy, etc.), challenges in recovering characteristic remanent magnetisations (ChRMs), paleointensities (both relative and absolute) of the ancient geomagnetic field, magnetic granulometry, identifying pathways and degrees of magnetic mineral alteration, and methods for distinguishing mineral fabrics from induced and remanent magnetic anisotropies.

Convener: Adrian Muxworthy, Univ. London, Imperial College Sci. Technol. & Med., Dept. Earth Sci. & Engn, S. Kensington Campus, London SW7 2 AZ, UK; tel: +44 207 59446442; fax: +44 207 594 47444; e-mail: adrian.muxworthy@imperial.ac.uk

Co-conveners: Joshua M. Feinberg, Univ. Minnesota, USA; Claire Carvallo, Institut de Minéralogie et de Physique des Milieux Condensés, France; Koji Fukuma, Doshisha University, Japan

I16. Environmental magnetism and biomagnetism

Div. I

The magnetic mineral inventory in marine and terrestrial sediments reflects various processes. These may occur before or during sediment deposition ( e.g., weathering of the source material, transport, steady vs. non-equilibrium sedimentation, etc…) or after sediment burial (e.g., sediment mixing, authigenesis, biomineralization, geochemical alteration and dissolution, etc.). Each process can leave a characteristic fingerprint in the magnetic record, which may be obfuscated later on, thereby hampering the deconvolution of the record into the underlying processes. The aim of this session is to provide a platform to discuss recent developments towards establishing robust quantitative magnetic proxy parameters (e.g. for humid/arid conditions, warm/cold climates, high/low productivity, biogenic minerals, redox zonation, etc.), magnetic monitoring of pollution, comparative studies (geochemical vs. magnetic proxy parameters), unmixing models, and theoretical and conceptual models of authigenic/biogenic mineral formation in a wide range of environmental and Earth science applications.

Convener: Michael Winklhofer, Univ. Munich, Dept. Earth and Environmental Science, Marchioninistr. 15, Munich, Germany; tel:+49 89 21804207; fax: +49 89 21804207; e-mail: Michaelw@lmu.de

Co-conveners: Liping Zhou, Peking University, China; Christoph E. Geiss, Trinity College, USA; Ana M. Sinito, Universidad Nacional del Centro, Argentina

I17. Paleomagnetism and rock magnetism of anomaly source rocks

II03. Long-term changes in the mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere

Div. II

Past two decades have enriched us with a variety of observational data from space, airborne and ground-based platforms on several parameters. The primary goal of this symposium is to discuss the most updated experimental and model results on long-term changes and trends in the stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere. The symposium will emphasize the emerging trend signals under Global Change and future predictions. Natural and anthropogenic effects on the Space weather system and processes by which they interact. The relative importance of long term natural and anthropogenic influences with their identification will be addressed. Both contributory and solicited papers are welcome.

Convener: Gufran Beig, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Dr. Bhabha Road, Pashan, PUNE-411 008 India; fax: +91-20-25893600; e-mail: beig@tropmet.res.in

Co-convener: J. Lastovicka, Institute of Atmospheric Physics , Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; R. Akmaev, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, USA

II04. Solar and lower atmospheric forcing of the middle atmosphere-ionosphere system

Div. II

The Earth’s atmosphere as a whole (including the ionosphere embedded in the thermosphere) is a coupled system influenced by the solar and magnetosphere processes from above and upward propagating disturbances from below. The coupling processes are crucial to our understanding of climate change drivers and space weather events. The symposium invites observational and modelling studies that address the dynamics of the middle and upper atmosphere with emphasis on chemistry and transport, heat sources and sinks, solar and lower atmospheric forcing and the associated feedback on dynamics. Contributions are sought that focus on atmospheric waves (acoustic-gravity, planetary, tides), wave-wave and wave-mean flow interactions, atmospheric electricity and electrodynamical coupling processes. New results on the mesosphere-lower thermosphere wave seeding (wave penetration and secondary wave generation) of ionospheric disturbances and the solar influence on the vertical propagation condition of the waves in the middle atmosphere are particularly welcome. The Symposium will provide the opportunity to review the current progress in this field and suggest future direction of research.

Convener: Dora Pancheva, Geophysical Institute, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 3,1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; tel: +359 2 9793308; fax: +359 2 9713005; e-mail: dpancheva@geophys.bas.bg

Co-convener: Ed. Kazimirovsky, Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

II05. Energetic particle precipitation into the atmosphere: sources and consequences

Divs II and III

Particle precipitation into the atmosphere is one of the mechanisms for energetic electron loss from the Van Allen radiation belts. This is particularly significant during and after geomagnetic storms, when the loss rate, and the source population, can both increase. This session ismagneto targeted at both ground-based and satellite experimental observations, as well as theoretical investigations, into the precipitation of energetic electrons (>20 keV) into the D-region ionosphere and below. Papers considering the precipitation drivers, the nature of the particle fluxes, or the impact of the precipitation on the ionosphere or atmosphere are welcome.

Convener: Mark Clilverd, British Antarctic Survey, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OET, UK; tel: +44-1223-221541; fax: +44-1223-362616; e-mail:macl@bas.ac.uk

Co-convener: Craig Rodger, University of Otago, New Zealand

II06. Equatorial atmosphere-ionosphere interactive processes: vertical and latitudinal coupling and magnetospheric forcing

Divs II and III

The Earth’s equatorial and low-latitude atmosphere-ionosphere system is subject to significant modification due to dynamical and electro-dynamical coupling processes arising from upward transport of energy and momentum by gravity-, tidal- and planetary waves originating from lower heights and extra-tropics, which results in its large zonal, day-to-day and inter-annual variability. Magnetospheric/interplanetary forcing through disturbance electric fields and energy deposition at high latitudes with the consequent coupling to equatorial latitudes represents another important source of variability of the system at different time scales. Important new results from ground based instruments networks, space borne observations and simulation studies on the different coupling processes and sources of variability of the system have been forthcoming in recent years. This symposium will address all aspects of the dynamics, energetics and coupling processes of the atmosphere-ionosphere-system of the latitude region extending from the equator to mid-latitudes. Results are welcome from experimental, theoretical and modelling investigations, and on manifestations of the coupling process through the responses of the system to magnetic storms and upward propagating atmospheric wave disturbances etc. in terms of small and large structures, TEC, winds and waves, temperatures, plasma drifts, electric fields, currents, precursor conditions for equatorial plasma bubble development, anomaly and electrojet variability etc.

Convener: M. A. Abdu, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais – INPE, Ave. dos Astronautas 1758; 12201 970 São Jose dos Campos, SP,Brazil; tel: +55 12 345 6797; fax: +55 12 345 6990; e-mail: maabdu@dae.inpe.br

Co-Conveners: Takuji Nakamura, Kyoto University, Japan; B. T. Tsurutani, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, USA

II07. Forcing of the middle and high latitude thermosphere from above and below

Div. II

New aspects of thermospheric dynamics can now be studied based on observations from low-Earth orbiting satellites, such as CHAMP and GRACE, carrying sensitive accelerometers on board. From the recorded air drag it is possible to derive the details of mass density and wind distribution on global scale. The dependence of the thermosphere on local time, season and solar flux has clearly be revealed from these observations and can be compared with model predictions. Rather new and unpredicted are the thermospheric features related to geomagnetic field distribution, e.g. air up-welling in the cusp region and equatorial mass anomaly aligned with the dip equator. Another area of ongoing research is the response of the thermosphere to magnetic activity, which is poorly reflected by the models. Only recently the prominent influence of non-migrating tides on the thermospheric dynamics has been realized. In particular, the signatures of the eastward propagating diurnal wave-3, DE3, are strong during large parts of the year. The origin of the DE3 tidal mode is related to processes in thunderstorm clouds in the tropics. Papers are solicited for this session on any of the above or related topics that are of importance for determining the structure and dynamics of the thermosphere. This includes observations or modelling of the thermospheric coupling with magnetosphere, ionosphere or lower atmosphere. Papers announcing new possibilities in T-I research with the upcoming ESA constellation mission SWARM are particularly welcome.

Convener: Hermann Luehr, GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Telegrafenberg, D-14473 Potsdam, Germany; tel: +49 331 288-1735; fax: +49 331 288-1732; e-mail: hluehr@gfz-potsdam.de

Co-convener: Alan Aylward, University College London, UK

II08. Remote sensing of the plasmasphere, and coupling to the ionosphere

Divs II and III

The dynamics of the plasmasphere plays an important role in Earth's space weather system, and is governed by solar activity. Also the plasmasphere is strongly coupled to the ionosphere by means of electromagnetic fields and currents. The plasmasphere forms the cold plasma background for the overlapping 'warm' (ring current) and 'hot' (radiation belts) regions and its plasma distribution is a fundamental parameter for the description and modelling of various physical processes in these regions. This session focuses on various remote-sensing techniques: active and passive ground-based measurements using ULF-ELF-VLF electromagnetic waves as well as satellite-based methods including radio sounding and imaging. Also included are the coupling processes related to cold plasma density.

Convener: János Lichtenberger, Space Research Group, Department of Geophysics,

Eötvös University, Budapest, Pf 32 H-1518, Hungary; tel: +36-1-372 2934; fax: +36-1-372 2927; e-mail: lityi@sas.elte.hu

Co-convener: Fred Menk, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Division III

III01. Magnetopause and magnetosheath processes: reconnection, diffusion and boundary dynamics

Div. III

The magnetopause and its boundary layers are the prime sites of mass, momentum and energy transfer from the solar wind into the magnetosphere. Understanding the physics of these processes is central to magnetospheric physics. Observations of these regions are continuously ongoing owing to several dedicated spacecraft missions. Space data are further supported by observations from ground based observatories. New progresses in simulations (MHD, hybrid and kinetic) and theoretical knowledge allow the physics of reconnection and boundary layer processes to be elucidated as never before. This session invites contributions on a wide range of magnetopause-related topics, including observations of the structure of the magnetopause current layer, its boundary layers and their transient variations, the signatures of the various forms of plasma interactions, such as magnetic reconnection, and their relevance to solar wind-magnetosphere coupling. The basic physics of reconnection, plasma diffusion and boundary layer formation at the magnetopause, as well as the magnetosheath processes that influence magnetopause dynamics are highly relevant.

Convener: Claire Foullon, Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College London,

Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6NT, UK; tel: +44 1483 204293; fax: +44 1483 278312; e-mail: cf2@mssl.ucl.ac.uk

Co-convener: Charles J. Farrugia, University of New Hampshire, USA; Benoit Lavraud,

Centre d'Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements – CNRS, Toulouse, France

III02. Advances in substorm research from multi-point observations in the magnetosphere

Div. III

Substorm research has reached a new era with recent advances in the multi-point observational capabilities in the magnetosphere and simultaneous ground-based observations. THEMIS’s multi-point observations allow us to study the interplay between the midtail and inner magnetospheric substorm processes covering key regions of energy transport and dissipation region simultaneously. Cluster local multi-point observations allow us to measure local instabilities and obtain local properties of the propagation of the current sheet disturbances. Combining THEMIS, Cluster, and other spacecraft at geosynchronous, low-altitude, solar wind, and mid/near tail region, enables studies such as evolution of phenomena along field lines and large-scale solar wind-magnetotail interaction. Comparisons with advanced modelling, specific to individual events, is expected to help bring such observations in a proper physical context. This session is devoted to multi-point observations and relevant modeling studies on substorms. We also solicit papers dealing with new analysis techniques determining propagation of the substorm disturbance using multi-point data in space and on the ground.

Convener: Rumi Nakamura, Space Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Schmiedlstr. 6, A8042 Graz, Austria; tel: +43-316-4120573; fax: +43-316-4120590; e-mail: rumi.nakamura@oeaw.ac.at

Co-convener. Vassilis Angelopoulos, IGPP/ESS, University of California, Los Angeles, USA

III03. Magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions and auroral processes

Divs III and II

Magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling entails the transport of electromagnetic power, particle energy, and mass between the ionosphere-thermosphere and the magnetosphere, and feedback between these regions. The electrodynamic response of the system gives rise to convection, the flow of electrical currents within the system, and dissipation of electromagnetic power, especially in the ionosphere. The inertial interaction involves redistribution of mass and momentum throughout the coupled system, which regulates the ring current, local plasma instabilities, and magnetic reconnection. We now recognize that the electrodynamic response is strongly influenced by the inertial response and vice versa, and that a comprehensive analysis of the coupling requires a unified approach. Moreover, the coupling spans low to high latitudes during periods of strong solar wind forcing. This symposium invites papers on observations, theory, simulation and modeling covering a broad range of topics: How are magnetospheric dynamics modified by M-I coupling, and how does the coupling influence the state of the ionospheric plasma and conductivity? What are the processes involved in plasma inflow/outflow, under what conditions do they occur, and how do they couple the magnetosphere and ionosphere? What role do waves and plasma instabilities play in scale-interactive M-I coupling? How does the M-I interaction mediate cross-latitude coupling? How are these processes manifested in auroral precipitation?

Convener: William Lotko, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA; tel: 1-603-646-3485; e-mail: wlotko@dartmouth.edu

Co-conveners: Yusuke Ebihara, Nagoya University, Japan; Karl-Heinz Glassmeier, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany

III04. New perspectives of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system from global models, synoptic observations, and data assimilation

Divs III and II

Increasingly sophisticated global models and new developments in ground-based and space-borne observational capabilities have contributed greatly to the understanding of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. Comparisons of numerical simulations from global models with observations from multiple platforms provide a means to test and improve our current understanding of the physical processes pertained to this coupled system. Papers on comparative modeling studies and ground- and space-based multi-instrument observations of global and mesoscale phenomena of the magnetosphere and ionosphere are solicited. Papers that focus on new numerical techniques and data assimilation methods to reveal new features of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system are particularly suitable to this session.

Convener: Gang Lu, NCAR, High Altitude Observatory, 3080 Center Green, Boulder, CO 80301, USA; tel: +1-303-497-1554; fax: +1-303-497-1589; e-mail: ganglu@ncar.edu

Co-conveners: Stefan Eriksson, LASP, University of Colorado, USA; Joachim Raeder, University of New Hampshire, USA

III05. The plasma sheet - ionosphere, a coupled system: Sinks, sources, transport and the role of Region 2 currents

Divs III and II

Observations, modeling, and theory have now reached the point where the plasma sheet and its coupling to the ionosphere can be considered as a whole, rather than treated as separate issues within ionosphere or plasma sheet physics. Therefore, this is now a topic requiring participation from both Division II and Division III. The plasma sheet is formed from particles entering directly and indirectly from the ionosphere and solar wind. The structure and asymmetry of its pressure, temperature, density, and entropy are determined by the particle entry, transport, and loss processes. All these processes are in turn strongly affected by the electrodynamical coupling with the ionosphere. The plasma sheet dynamics, in particular through the Region 2 coupling currents, strongly affects the ionosphere via particle precipitation and Joule heating. Furthermore, the Region 2 currents cause strong modifications of the global ionospheric electric field distribution, at middle latitudes by shielding and penetrating electric fields, at higher latitudes supporting the SAPS, and in the auroral region causing the Harang electric field reversal. Papers are solicited for this session on any of the above or related topics that are of importance to determining the formation of the plasma sheet (sources and losses), its structure and dynamics and/or the effects electrodynamical coupling has on ionospheric and magnetospheric processes. Papers dealing with the system as a whole or with a near-Earth manifestation of the coupling processes are also appropriate.

Convener: Larry Lyons, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90095-1565, USA; tel: +1 (310) 206-7876 ; fax: +1 (310) 206-5219; e-mail: larry@atmos.ucla.edu 

Co-conveners: Simon Wing, The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, USA; Sorin G. Zaharia, Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA; Hermann Luehr, GeoForschungsZentrum (GFZ), Germany; Elizaveta Antonova, Lomonosov Moscow State University Skobeltsyn, Russia; Jay Johnson, Princeton Univ, Plasma Physics Lab, USA

III06. Techniques and instrumentation in space plasma physics

Div. III

Space and ground based instrumentation has shown significant advances in technology in recent years. These developments enable a new generation both of measurements and of data acquisition and logistical support for space and ground based instrumentation. Not only have advances been made to improve performance of individual instruments, for example, space based imagers and sensors but also in distributed space and ground based systems to enable improved reliability and autonomy enabling large networks of sensors. New techniques in numerical simulation, operation and analysis of data have been developed to take full advantage of the broad range of measurements provided. This session invites papers describing instrument technologies and developments applied to space physics including both space and ground based as well as papers describing new techniques of measurement, data analysis, calibration and instrument operations not already covered by the other sessions.

Convener: Alain Hilgers, ESA-ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, 2200AG Noordwijk, The Netherlands; tel/fax: +31 71565 3747/4999　; e-mail: Alain.Hilgers@esa.int

Co-conveners: David Cooke, Space Vehicles Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory/VSBX Mass., USA; Hermann Luehr, GeoForschungsZentrum, Germany; Hideyuki Usui, Kyoto University, Japan

III07. Wave and particle dynamics in the ring current and radiation belts/geomagnetic storms

Div. III

Recent progress in the understanding of radiation-belt energization and loss processes, as well as ring-current build-up and decay, has shown that the system is highly variable, and relies on a variety of different waves and other transient phenomena to couple the dynamic processes occurring in the inner magnetosphere. Multiple energization and loss process occur simultaneously, over a variety of spatial scales ranging from microscopic wave-particle interactions, to global-scale interactions, and a variety of temporal scales, from milliseconds to hours. In this session, we will focus on the dynamical behavior of radiation-belt and ring-current particles, the global variability and coupling to the inner magnetosphere, and the nature and spatiotemporal distribution of the underlying waves that control this behavior. In particular we seek contributions demonstrating the spatiotemporal distribution of various waves, including electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) and whistler mode chorus wave activity, magnetosonic, ECH and other; the role of the ring current in global magnetopause losses due to the inflation of the geomagnetic field; and when ultra low frequency (ULF) waves are efficient in energizing radiation belt particles. Future directions and needs for the field will be captured for future meetings (and possible for a special publication issue if so decided) by holding a panel discussion at the end of the session.

Convener: Jacob Bortnik, Dept of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Room 7115, Math Sciences Bldg., UC Los Angeles, CA 90095-1565, USA; tel: +1 (310) 825-1659; fax: +1 (310) 206-5219; e-mail: jbortnik@gmail.com

Co-convener; Sasha Ukhorskiy, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, USA

III08. Other magnetospheric worlds