Variability in the High-Latitude Ionosphere Tuesday 18 June 2002 Silverthorne 01:00-03:00 pm

It is generally agreed that the largest changes in the condition of the high-latitude ionosphere are attributable to the variable coupling of particles and energy from the solar wind. Examples include the strong ordering of the high-latitude convection pattern by the magnitude and direction of the IMF and the dependence of energetic particle precipitation in substorm events on the time-history of the IMF. Within the last decade it has become clear that the electric field in particular is variable on temporal scales that have no obvious source in solar wind factors. The contribution of this variability to Joule heating may equal that of the conventional, IMF-ordered electric field. Other very significant effects for the coupling of energy and momentum may lie in the interaction of variabilities in the ionospheric densities, electric fields, and currents.

In this workshop we welcome presentations that deal with the characterization, causes, and effects of variability in the high-latitude ionosphere. Our aim is to gain insight into the impact of variability on the coupling of ionosphere with the magnetosphere and thermosphere. Possible topics include the contribution of ionospheric conductivity to variability in the electric field, the degree of conjugacy between fluctuations in the magnetosphere and ionosphere, the impact of fluctuating electric fields on plasma transport and irregularity formation, and the role of ionospheric variability in the energetics of the neutral atmosphere. We anticipate hearing a series of brief presentations that will bring the audience 'up-to-speed' on the research being conducted in this new field. This will be followed by an open discussion. The convenors will attempt to briefly summarize the proceedings and highlight the critical issues for progress in the near-term.

If you are interested in giving a presentation, please email the title or topic of your presentation to one of the convenors (Simon Shepherd, Mihail Codrescu, or Michael Ruohoniemi). We encourage student presentations. Please limit discussion of technique to the minimum that is required to appreciate your findings.