[GEM] THE GEM MESSENGER, Volume 25, Number 42

[Newsletter Editor]

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     THE GEM MESSENGER
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Volume 25, Number 42
October 4, 2015

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Table of Contents

1. 2015 Summer Workshop Report: Geospace Systems Science (GSS) Focus Group
2. JOB OPENING: Scientist I position in upper atmosphere physics, High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
3. JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space Physics at University of Delaware

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1. 2015 Summer Workshop Report: Geospace Systems Science (GSS) Focus Group
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From: Joe Borovsky (jborovsky at spacescience.org), Bill Lotko, Vadim Uritsky, and Juan Alejandro Valdivia

At the 2015 GEM Summer Workshop the GSS Focus Group held four sessions, plus one joint session.  The Joint session (with the Reconnection Focus Group) was titled What is the interplay between local and global processes in regulating reconnection?: a summarization of that joint session appears in the Reconnection Focus Group’s summary. 

In the Summer of 2014 GSS held 3 sessions at the summer workshop and no talks were presented in any of those sessions; rather they were entirely dedicated to audience-participation discussions. At the 2015 Summer Workshop the 4 GSS sessions were instead dominated by presentations, with audience discussion during and after the presentations.

Session 1 was entitled “Time Lags in Solar Wind-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Interactions”. The purpose was to discuss in some detail the major time lags of the M-I system. The speakers were Mick Denton, Bob McPherron, Roger Varney, Shin Ohtani, and Bob Clauer. It was pointed out (Mick Denton) that mass-transport timescales into and through the magnetosphere are roughly known, but the variance of those timescales on particular geomagnetic conditions is not known. It was also pointed out that the timescales for Dungey-cycle magnetospheric convection are considerably slower than the ionospheric two-cell convection timescales. Examinations of the response of geomagnetic indices to the solar wind (by Bob McPherron) yield various systematic time lags for the different indices examined.  In particular, the responses show delays and durations, which are different quantities, akin to a time-delayed low-pass filter. Examining the timescales associated with ionospheric ion outflows into the magnetosphere (Roger Varney) it was pointed out that the outflow commence very quickly (~1 min) when electron precipitation into the atmosphere commences, but that there are much longer time scales for the ion outflows to propagate downtail from the cusps. There was a discussion about the ion outflows in the mantle being drawn into the near-Earth magnetotail by substorm reconnection. Theoretical analysis of the timescales in the nightside current systems (Shin Ohtani) found multiple timescales of 10 sec, a few minutes, and a few hours. A discussion followed about a periodicity timescale for the magnetospheric reaction to the solar wind governed by the magnetotail-current timescales: two possibilities are inductive timescales of magnetotail current systems versus ion-outflow timescales into the magnetotail. Timescales of the reaction of ionospheric convection to changes in the solar wind were examined (Bob Clauer).  Two major reaction times are (1) the time to initiate a change in the ionospheric convection pattern and (2) the time to reconfigure the convection pattern. The time to initiate the convection change was stated to be ~6 minutes after a solar-wind change, with that time probably representing electric-signal propagation at the Alfven velocity in the magnetosphere. Citing studies by Dan Weimer, it was judged that the second timescale (reconfiguration of the convection pattern) was probably on the order of 45 minutes.

Session 2 was entitled “Extreme Events”. The purpose was to discuss statistical analysis and prediction of large-sized geomagnetic events. The speakers were Surja Sharma, Jeff Love, Slava Merkin, Bob Clauer, Allison Jaynes, and Delores Knipp. Surja Sharma was asked to give an overview of methods of analyzing complex nonlinear systems. For the magnetosphere Surja considered extreme events to be storms and substorms. Several concepts for statistically examining event sizes and event waiting times were overviewed, including detrended fluctuation analysis, return intervals analysis, and extreme value theory. A statistical analysis of the Dst index (Jeff Love) found log-normal statistics rather than power-law statistics. Power-law statistics would point to the possibility of self-organized critical processes as the origin of extremely large events. Instead, log-normal statistics points to the possibility of multiple multiplicative processes as the origin of extremely large events. The modification of ionospheric conductivities in MHD codes associated with microscale ionospheric processes was discussed (Slava Merkin). Specifically, the Farley-Buneman drift instability was considered and its complex effects on ionospheric conductance was considered.  A case of no saturation of the polar cap potential under strong driving of the magnetosphere by the solar wind was considered (Bob Clauer). The event was chosen as a test of whether saturation would be caused by a reduction of the dayside reconnection rate or caused by active ionospheric processes. Instead, a lack of saturation was found. Allison Jaynes discussed the concept that substorm injections produce the seed particles for the electron radiation belt and also give rise to the chorus waves that energize the seed particles into the radiation belt. A radiation-belt depletion during a northward-IMF event showed no recovery of the radiation belt (a long-lasting depletion). The lack of the occurrence of substorms during this event was blamed for both the absence of injected seed electrons and the lack of production of chorus waves. Delores Knipp discussed a set of geomagnetic storms that had many manifestations of strong driving by the solar wind but that had anomalously weak amounts of thermospheric heating. It was found that these “problem storms” have an overproduction of NO in the upper atmosphere caused by enhanced low-energy particle precipitation. A mystery called out was “what is the source of these low-energy particles?”. In this session and in others, the audience showed interest in future GSS sessions focusing on the systems science of these “problem storms”.

Session 3 was entitled “Systems Science Tools, Methodologies, and Results”. The speakers were Jacob Bortnik, Misha Balikhin, Konstantin Gamayunov, Delores Knipp, Lutz Rastatter, and Mikhail Sitnov. Jacob Bortnik was asked to give an overview talk on machine-learning techniques. One result that he showed was a neural network trained to look at time series spacecraft measurements of the Earth’s plasmasphere along with the Dst time series. The result was a dynamical model of the growing and shrinking plasmasphere as Dst varied with time. In this case nothing new was revealed to the audience, since we are already familiar with the dynamical behavior of the plasmasphere. However, it was suggested that spacecraft measurements of the warm plasma cloak be giving to the neural net: in this case such a machine model could be very enlightening since we have no idea what the evolution of the warm plasma cloak is. In this session Misha Balikhin showed a new model, Konstantin Gamayunov spoke about a systems science approach to EMIC waves, Delores Knipp discussed estimating the uncertainty of DMSP Poynting flux values, Lutz Rastatter talked about modeling Joule heating in the ionosphere, and Mikhail Sitnov discussed empirical models.

Session 4 was entitled “Behavior of the System”. The speakers were Wen Li, Jonathan Krall, Vania Jordanova, and Joe Borovsky. A presentation of the conditions under which radiation-belt dropouts occur (Wen Li). A statistical link between dropouts and the occurrence of chorus waves was seen a discussion followed about whether the chorus waves play a role in the dropout or whether chorus waves and the dropout were both consequences of another factor. Simulations of structure on the plasmapause were presented (Jonathan Krall) that changed when thermospheric winds in the simulation were on versus off. The simulations raised the possibility of an ExB wind-driven dynamo. Jonathan made a call for data that could help to clarify this simulation. The initial findings of a research program at Los Alamos to multiply connect various elements of the magnetosphere and ionosphere systems together via computer codes were presented (Vania Jordanova). The research effort is called the SHIELDS Project. It attempts to include all of the relevant system elements needed to describe the transport and energization of plasmas and energetic particles throughout the dynamically evolving system. This stimulated an audience discussion of the merit of getting substorm physics correct in global modeling. A system science technique developed for the solar-wind-driven magnetosphere-ionosphere system was described (Joe Borovsky). The technique is called global correlation analysis and it is based on the information contained in the cross correlations of all variables in the solar wind and all variables in the magnetosphere. Preliminary results found that it was capable of uncovering various different modes of reaction of the magnetosphere to the solar wind.

Future plans for the GSS Focus Group were briefly discussed at the 2015 GEM Summer Workshop. A preliminary plan is to have a regular session on system science techniques and the results of those techniques. A strong suggestion was to have the GSS Focus Group look at the “problem storms” of Delores Knipp (see discussion above). A plan was made to have a session at the 2015 Mini-GEM in San Francisco to discuss suggestions for upcoming focus group sessions and focus group campaigns.


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2. JOB OPENING: Scientist I position in upper atmosphere physics, High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
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From: Michael Wiltberger (wiltbemj at ucar.edu)

The High Altitude Observatory (HAO) of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is seeking candidates for a ladder-track Scientist I position to conduct research on modeling and analyzing physical processes in the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere, and their connections with the broader solar-terrestrial environment, in support of the HAO mission "to understand the behavior of the Sun and its impact on the Earth, to support, enhance, and extend the capabilities of the university community and the broader scientific community, nationally and internationally, and to foster the transfer of knowledge and technology." HAO is a center of development for community models of the coupled atmosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere system, including the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model-eXtension (WACCM-X). The scientist selected for this position will play a leading role in fundamental research into ionosphere-thermosphere physics, in development of community models, and in the application of these models to study the Sun-Earth system. Information about HAO and NCAR can be found at http://www2.hao.ucar.edu.

Duties of this position include:

- Conduct independent and collaborative research, model development, and numerical experimentation to support HAO's research objectives with a focus on addressing outstanding questions in ionosphere-thermosphere physics;

- Contribute to NCAR and HAO programs through leadership and participation in high-priority projects such as the development of the coupled atmosphere-thermosphere-ionosphere models as well as data assimilation models;
 
- Interact with scientists throughout NCAR and in the university community on research topics related to space weather and Sun-climate interactions;

- Provide service to the community through external committees, editorships, reviews, education/outreach, professional society activities, communicating science to the public, professional development of staff/visitors, student mentoring, and/or diversity efforts;

- Communicate research results by publishing papers in scientific journals and by giving presentations at national and international meetings.

The successful candidate has the opportunity to develop an independent research program within the broad guidelines of the HAO strategic plan and to shape future plans. His/her research is expected to take advantage of and contribute to NCAR as a national center.  The position comes with a share of HAO’s administrative and computing support. Additional support may be garnered through competitive grants. 

To apply for this position, visit UCAR Human Resources website at 
https://ucar.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=217768&company_id=15947&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=992746&level=levelid1&levelid1=45212&startflag=2

A Ph.D. in space physics or related science is required. Applicants should supply a cover letter, a statement of research interests and how they might contribute to the HAO mission and strategic plan, a current CV, and the names of four potential references. Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to October 21, 2015. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.

NCAR is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, domestic partner status, disability, or veteran status.


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3. JOB OPENING: Faculty Position in Space Physics at University of Delaware
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From: Michael Shay (shay at udel.edu)

The Department of Physics and Astronomy (http://web.physics.udel.edu) invites applications for a position in the field of Space Physics (solar and heliospheric) in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Applications will be considered for appointment at the level of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) up to Associate Professor with tenure, as determined by experience and qualifications. Experience with observational analysis of space physics phenomena is preferred but not required. Priority will be given to candidates who can complement existing research programs, which include solar, interplanetary, magnetospheric, and cosmic ray physics. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a significant externally funded research program and teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applicants must include a curriculum vitae, publication list, research plan, teaching statement, and arrange for three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2015 and continue until the position is filled. 

Full position description as well as a link to use to submit application materials can be found at http://apply.interfolio.com/32054

Located in scenic Newark, Delaware, within 2 hours of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., the University is one of the oldest land-grant institutions in the nation, one of 19 sea-grant institutions, and one of only 13 space-grant institutions. With external funding exceeding $200 million, the University ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering and has nationally recognized research (Carnegie rated, very high research activity). With 23 academic departments, 27 interdisciplinary programs and centers, and more than 10,000 students, the College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college on campus (www.cas.udel.edu). The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from minority group members and women.

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html


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