Estimate of Low/Mid-Latitude Conductances, Electric Potential and Neutral Winds using IDA4D and EMPIRE

Abstract:

In this talk we will focus on the current ability of the ionosphere-thermosphere data assimilative models, Ionospheric Data Assimilation Four Dimensional (IDA4D) and Estimating Model Parameters from Ionospheric Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE), to estimate low and mid latitude ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) state variables at altitudes of 200 km and less. In particular we focus on the estimation of Pederson and Hall conductances, equatorial electric potential, and neutral winds. We will characterize the current state of IDA4D and EMPIRE in terms of data available to be assimilated and geophysical conditions. We will discuss the accuracy expected for given conditions, current limitations, and to what degree data assimilative models can be used to advance our understanding of the low/mid latitude physics at 200 km and below.

We will use three case study events to help elucidate the current capabilities of IDA4D and EMPIRE: The March, 2013 storm, the March 2015 storm, and the March 2014 time period, which was relatively quiet. In additional to the normal data sets ingested by IDA4D and EMPIRE we intend to ingest observation from the C/NOFS satellite including radio occultations, in-situ measurements of plasma density and ion drifts. We will also ingest other measurements related to electric fields from coherent scatter radars and magnetometers when available. Finally, we will ingest neutral wind measurements from FPI’s.

We will conclude with a discussion of the future of IT data assimilation algorithms, the advantages of coupling to first principle models, and what future satellite missions such as ICON, GOLD and COSMIC 2 will contribute to improved IT data assimilation estimates.