Overview of Ionosphere-Thermosphere Modeling in CISM

1. Overview of Ionosphere-Thermosphere Modeling in CISM S.C. Solomon, A.G. Burns, G. Jee, T.L. Killeen, J. Lei, A. Maute, L. Qian, A.D. Richmond, R.G. Roble, W. Wang, M. Wiltberger, and Z. Zeng High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research LFM Jll, np,Tp E Magnetosphere - Ionosphere Coupler (H+P)=Jll-Jw Particle precipitation: Fe, E0 Conductivities: p, h, Winds: Jw Electric Potential: tot TIE-GCM GSWM Vertical Drift (m/s) Vertical Drift (m/s) Abstract The Ionosphere-Thermosphere modeling component of the CISM project is responsible for development of general circulation models of the upper atmosphere system and their coupling to the magnetosphere. The Coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere model (CMIT) consists of the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) Magnetosphere model coupled to the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM). Studies using the coupled and stand-alone models show considerable improvement over empirical-model descriptions of the thermosphere and ionosphere. We are working on extending ionospheric models into the plasmasphere, collaborating with data assimilation activities, conducting an extensive validation effort, and including ion outflow in the feedback to the magnetosphere. The NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM) The Coupled Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model (CMIT) The December 2006 “AGU Storm” Neutral density simulations over the declining phase of solar cycle 23 made by the NCAR TIE-GCM using observed solar spectral irradiance inputs from measurements by the TIMED Solar EUV Experiment. Comparison to satellite drag density measurements shows improved agreement over empirical models. CMIT simulations of Total Electron Content (TEC). GPS measurements of Total Electron Content. • Plans and Goals • ITM Goals: • Plasmasphere extension to TIE-GCM • Solar Energetic Particle fluxes and ionization • High-resolution TIE-GCM in coupled models • Transition to TIME-GCM in coupled models • ECMWF analysis fields at lower boundary • Systematic ionospheric updates from GAIM • Near-real-time solar irradiance inputs • Short-term forecast of solar irradiance inputs • Cross-Thrust Goals: • Inclusion of auroral acceleration module • Specification of ion outflow rates • Plasmaspheric coupling from the Rice Convection Model (RCM): • Electric Fields • Precipitation Vertical ion drift at the magnetic equator during the April 2004 “CAWSES” event — simulations by the stand-alone TIE-GCM and CMIT compared to radar measurements at Jicamarca. Comparison of TIE-GCM ionospheric climatology at low solar activity during summer 2006 to initial measurements by the COSMIC satellites using GPS occulations. Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling • Annual Site Visit • 5 June 2007