In this project, we will investigate the underlying processes of atmospheric ionization rates driving Geomagnetic activity in the auroral region, both in the magnetosphere driven by the solar wind, and in the middle atmosphere as represented in changes in atmospheric composition, temperature and wind fields. In particular, we are addressing a number of questions, such as, i) how do conditions in the magnetosphere and driven by the solar wind affect the precipitation of ring current electrons into the atmosphere? ii) what is the energy spectrum of the precipitating electrons accelerated in the magnetosphere in different types of geomagnetic storms? iii) which energy range of the precipitating electrons has the largest impact on the chemistry and dynamics of the upper and middle atmosphere?

To address these questions, we will perform simulations with the VERB-4D code to model electron precipitation driven by wave-particle interactions. Modelled electron fluxes at the top of the model domain will be used to develop the chemistry-climate model EMAC/EDITh (surface to 220 km) with our project partners at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. This project is funded by the German Research Foundation.

Project duration

Sept 2020 – Aug 2023

Funding

DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Association)

Principal Investigators

• Prof. Yuri Shprits (GFZ)
• Dr. Miriam Sinnhuber (KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

Personnel

• Prof. Yuri Shprits
• Alina Grishina

Cooperations

• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)