The Plasma Environment in Saturn's Magnetosphere (IDS)
IDS: Dr. Tamas I. Gombosi
Interdisciplinary Scientist:
Dr. Tamas I. Gombosi
Space Physics Research Lab
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Mi 48109
General Description of Interdisciplinary Investigation:
This Cassini mission interdisciplinary scientific investigation
is concerned with the study of the molecular composition, structure,
and dynamical behavior of the plasma within Saturn's magnetosphere.
The investigation will make use of the Cassini science data base
to deduce the next generation of theoretical and numerical models
of the Saturn/Titan plasma environment.
Scientific Objectives of Interdisciplinary Investigation:
Develop global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and generalized
transport or extended hydrodynamic (EHD) models to describe the
transport and large scale dynamics of magnetospheric plasma.
Study the various plasma sources in the Saturnian magnetosphere.
Develop models of the field-aligned plasma outflows in the
high-latitude ionosphere of Saturn and topside ionosphere of
Titan (including energization by Birkeland currents and/or auroral
processes).
Develop plasmaspheric models for the interhemispheric flows
along closed field lines and fluc tubes that are continuously
depleted by ring-magnetospheric interactions.
Develop implanted ion transport models to describe Titan's
interaction with the magnetosphere of Saturn and the solar wind
and to study interstellar ion pickup.
To develop a transterminator flow model of day-to-night plasma
transport in the topside ionosphere of Titan.
To initiate and coordinate multi-instrument measurements
and analysis of complicated plasmaspheric phenomena with the
aid of theoretical and numerical models.
For additional information on plasma environment
modeling, see http://www.engin.umich.edu/research/mhd
(University of Michigan MHD/EHD Group homepage).
