ALBERT

Description: There is a growing number of observational evidences of dynamic quasi-periodical magnetosphere response to continuously southward interplan etary magnetic field (IMF). However, traditional global MHD simulatio ns with magnetic reconnection supported by numerical dissipation and ad hoc anomalous resistivity driven by steady southward IMF often prod uce only quasi-steady configurations with almost stationary near-eart h neutral line. This discrepancy can be explained by the assumption that global MHD simulations significantly underestimate the reconnectio n rate in the magnetotail during substorm expansion phase. Indeed, co mparative studies of magnetic reconnection in small scale geometries demonstrated that traditional resistive MHD did not produce the fast r econnection rates observed in kinetic simulations. The major approxim ation of the traditional MHD approach is an isotropic fluid assumption) with zero off-diagonal pressure tensor components. The approximatio n, however, becomes invalid in the diffusion region around the reconn ection site where ions become unmagnetized and experience nongyrotropic behaviour. Deviation from gyrotropy in particle distribution functi on caused by kinetic effects manifests itself in nongyrotropic pressu re tensor with nonzero off-diagonal components. We use the global MHD code BATS-R-US and replace ad hoc parameters such as "critical curren t density" and "anomalous resistivity" with a physically motivated di ssipation model. The key element of the approach is to identify diffusion regions where the isotropic fluid MHD approximation is not applic able. We developed an algorithm that searches for locations of magnet otail reconnection sites. The algorithm takes advantage of block-based domain-decomposition technique employed by the BATS-R-US. Boundaries of the diffusion region around each reconnection site are estimated from the gyrotropic orbit threshold condition, where the ion gyroradius is equal to the distance to the reconnection site. Inside diffusion regions ions are treated as nongyrotropic fluid with nonzero off-dia gonal components of the pressure tensor. The primary kinetic mechanism controlling the dissipation in the diffusion region is incorporated into global MHD simulations in terms of spatially localized nongyrotropic corrections to the induction equation. The magnitude of the non-g yrotropic corrections to the electric field and spatial scales of the diffusion regions are calculated self-consistently at each time step of the simulation using local MHD plasma and field parameters at the reconnection site without introduction of any ad hoc parameters. We d emonstrated that magnetotail reconnection is inherently unsteady even when the solar wind is steady. Global MHD simulations with nongyrotropic corrections produce bursts of fast reconnection typically observe d in small-scale kinetic simulations. During the bursts the length of the diffusion region does not exceed 2R(sub E) approximates 12(c/ome ga * pi). The bursts of the fast reconnection last only for a few min utes. After reaching the maximum value the reconnection rate decreases while the length of the diffusion region increases. The decreased ra te, however, is still significantly larger that the steady reconnection rate characteristic for MHD simulations with reconnection supported by numerical resistivity alone. Magnetotail reconnection supported b y nongyrotropic effects results in a tailward retreat of the reconnection site with average speed of the order of 100 km/s, accompanied by magnetotail stretching and thin current sheet formation in the near-E arth plasma sheet. Overall magnetotail response to the steady low-mach-number solar wind with southward IMF exhibits quasi-periodic loading /unloading dynamics typical for frequently observed multiple substorm s.

Description: We use the global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code BATS-R-US to model multipoint observations of Flux Transfer Event (FTE) signatures. Simulations with high spatial and temporal resolution predict that cavities of weak magnetic field strength protruding into the magnetosphere trail FTEs. These predictions are consistent with recently reported multi-point Cluster observations of traveling magnetopause erosion regions (TMERs).

Description: The NASA Space Weather Center's primary objective is to provide the latest space weather information and forecasting for NASA's robotic missions and its partners and to bring space weather knowledge to the public. At the same time, the tools and services it possesses can be invaluable for research purposes. Here we show how our archive and real-time modeling of space weather events can aid research in a variety of ways, with different classification criteria. We will list and discuss major CME events, major geomagnetic storms, and major SEP events that occurred during the years 2010 - 2012. Highlights of major tools/resources will be provided.

Description: Eastwood et al. [2004, manuscript submitted to CRL], have recently reported observations of multiple X line reconnection proceeding in the near Earth (approximately 18Re) magnetotail, leading to the formation and growth of an Earthward moving flux rope. Here we present the associated ion and electron measurements that indicate significant structuring to the magnetic field; in particular, an absence of counterstreaming electrons in the center of the flux rope. The observations, made on October 2, 2003, are put into a wider context by examining the surrounding plasma conditions, which indicate that after the event, the plasma sheet was highly dynamic. We also consider how common these observations are in the Cluster dataset, and discuss the implications for previous single spacecraft studies.

Description: Reconnection is the most important process driving the Earth's magnetosphere. Key to the success of the MMS science plan is the coupling of theory and observation. Determining the kinetic processes occurring in the diffusion region and physical parameters that control the rate of magnetic reconnection are among primary objectives of the MMS mission. Analysis of the role played by particle inertial effects in the diffusion region where the plasma is unmagnetized will be presented. The reconnection electric field in he diffusion region is supported primarily by particle non-gyrotropic effects. At the quasi-steady stage the reconnection electric field serves to accelerate and heat the incoming plasma population to maintain the current flow in the diffusion region the pressure balance. The primary mechanism controlling the dissipation in the vicinity of the reconnection site is incorporated into the fluid description in terms of non-gyrotropic corrections to the. induction and energy equations. The results of kinetic and fluid simulations illustrating the physics of magnetic reconnection will be presented. We will dem~:tistrate that kinetic nongyrotropic effects can significantly alter the global magnetosphere evolution and location of reconnection sites.

Description: The Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) is a multi-agency partnership, which aims at the creation of next generation space weather models. The goal of the CCMC is to support the research and developmental work necessary to substantially increase the present-day modeling capability for space weather purposes, and to provide models for transition to the rapid prototyping centers at the space weather forecast centers. This goal requires close collaborations with and substantial involvement of the research community. The physical regions to be addressed by CCMC-related activities range from the solar atmosphere to the Earth's upper atmosphere. The CCMC is an integral part of the National Space Weather Program Implementation Plan, of NASA's Living With a Star (LWS) initiative, and of the Department of Defense Space Weather Transition Plan. CCMC includes a facility at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as distributed computing facilities provided by the US Air Force. CCMC also provides, to the research community, access to state-of-the-art space research models. This paper will focus on a status report on CCMC activities in support of model transition to operations at US space weather forecasting centers. In particular, an update will be given on past and present transition activities, on developments that address operational needs, and on future opportunities for transition-to-operations support.