Application to STFC for Consolidated Grant Support for the Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Centre (SP2RC) at The University of Sheffield
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Mathematics and Statistics
Abstract
The Solar Physics and Space Plasma Research Centre (SP2RC) at the University of Sheffield seeks to understand the nature of key plasma processes occurring in the near-solar surface, the atmosphere of the Sun from photosphere to corona, solar wind, magnetosphere and heliosphere with particular attention devoted to the various magnetic coupling mechanisms of these apparently distinct regions. A large part of the energy flux released in the solar atmosphere (either waves or jets) travels into interplanetary space and impacts on the Earth's bow shock, energising the magnetosphere and having impact on our daily human life. The generation of energetic events in the solar atmosphere and their propagation into the solar wind and magnetosphere driving Space Weather will be rigorously investigated by using mathematical and numerical modelling and the analysis of latest available state-of-the-art satellite and ground-based datasets. Particular attention is paid to the wave and jet processes in this complex and very dynamic coupled Sun-Earth system.
Our mathematical approach involves advanced analytical work and the implementation of parallel high-performance computing (GRID and CUDA-enabled technology) where results will be tested and verified by making and using space (Hinode, SDO, IRIS, THEMIS) and ground-based (Swedish Solar Telescope/CRISP and CHROMIS, Dunn Solar Telescope/ROSA and IBIS and the upcoming Daniel K. Innouye Solar Telescope/VBI and VTF) observations. The proposed programme involves six scientific projects: 1) Advanced modelling of MHD waves and instabilities in non-uniform (non)-ideal plasmas; 2) 3D small-scale dynamics in the solar atmosphere; 3) From jets to waves with applications to the solar atmosphere: 3D modelling and analysis of localised impulsive MHD dynamics; 4) Unsolved problems of collisionless shocks ; 5) Dynamics of key wave emissions in the radiation belts; and 6) Waves in partially ionised and ionisation non-equilibrium solar plasmas. The programme also has a vibrant and vital Visiting Researchers Programme.
We request funding to cover salaries of the RAs, appropriate costs for research leadership/management and research time for the Principal Investigator and seven Co-Investigators, funding for a modest but essential Visitor Researcher Programme, for travel & subsistence, computing equipment and consumables, and funding for the associated continuation of our Scientific Officer and Secreterial Support posts.
Our mathematical approach involves advanced analytical work and the implementation of parallel high-performance computing (GRID and CUDA-enabled technology) where results will be tested and verified by making and using space (Hinode, SDO, IRIS, THEMIS) and ground-based (Swedish Solar Telescope/CRISP and CHROMIS, Dunn Solar Telescope/ROSA and IBIS and the upcoming Daniel K. Innouye Solar Telescope/VBI and VTF) observations. The proposed programme involves six scientific projects: 1) Advanced modelling of MHD waves and instabilities in non-uniform (non)-ideal plasmas; 2) 3D small-scale dynamics in the solar atmosphere; 3) From jets to waves with applications to the solar atmosphere: 3D modelling and analysis of localised impulsive MHD dynamics; 4) Unsolved problems of collisionless shocks ; 5) Dynamics of key wave emissions in the radiation belts; and 6) Waves in partially ionised and ionisation non-equilibrium solar plasmas. The programme also has a vibrant and vital Visiting Researchers Programme.
We request funding to cover salaries of the RAs, appropriate costs for research leadership/management and research time for the Principal Investigator and seven Co-Investigators, funding for a modest but essential Visitor Researcher Programme, for travel & subsistence, computing equipment and consumables, and funding for the associated continuation of our Scientific Officer and Secreterial Support posts.
Planned Impact
SP2RC's members are actively involved in creating and exchanging knowledge by means of their research. The members have different capabilities, skills and experiences - all of which are necessary for the success of the group as a whole and in disseminating its research activities by:
- Publishing results in refereed journals, special issues organised by SP2RC members and presentations at (inter)national meetings and specialised courses at various Summer Schools;
- Delivering scientific seminars, specialised courses at various Summer Schools and universities;
- Developing an on-line resource based on our scientific results;
- Delivering public lectures to promote solar- and space-science related disciplines;
- Creating strong research links by applying for Roy Soc, Leverhulme Trust international programs.
The ideas, methods and results of the members of SP2RC are routinely used by other academics and experts in the area of solar-terrestrial applications as well as other areas. Hence, SP2RC does not only create resources, it also willingly shares it.
Our research also had major societal impact (not just via numerous press-releases and press coverages from e.g. Yahoo.com to, American Weather Channel, CNN, BBC, etc) but also in the world of art and music. The dissemination of results is also carried out using "public" platform e.g.
-http://www.shef.ac.uk/maths/outreach
-http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/
-http://sunbyte.group.shef.ac.uk
Examples of research-related exhibitions, where SP2RC members participated, managed to attract thousands of members of the public:
- http://cargocollective.com/thecuriousmachine
- https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthemind
SP2RC members are continuously involved in public outreach through printed (national and international newspapers) and non-printed media channels (local, national and international radio stations, e.g., space.com, yahoo.com):
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224103041.htm
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2165890/Telescope-finds-solar-tornadoes-heating-suns-surface-millions-degrees-centigrade.html
- http://www.uksolphys.org/uksp-nuggets/
SP2RC has truly international character and important parts of knowledge transfer by SP2RC is also done through the top class training to its PhD students and RAs and collaborating with a large number of eminent international visitors with whom members have links.
Broadly speaking, the methods and techniques relevant to SP2RC research can be applied to some areas of industry, such as fusion reactors, tokamaks, pattern recognition, aviation, medical research etc. Whilst we are not directly working with any companies at present on the commercialisation of this research, it is hoped that, through the dissemination and outreach activities we are carrying out, applications for our knowledge could be found in industry.
The PI/Lead CoIs/CoIs will make sure that the results of their research will be made available openly through the usual channels (for example, visual/written media, public outreach events, publications in refereed journal and conference proceedings, etc.). SP2RC and its individual members will also continue to use their websites as a means to make their knowledge, expertise and results widely accessible.
- Publishing results in refereed journals, special issues organised by SP2RC members and presentations at (inter)national meetings and specialised courses at various Summer Schools;
- Delivering scientific seminars, specialised courses at various Summer Schools and universities;
- Developing an on-line resource based on our scientific results;
- Delivering public lectures to promote solar- and space-science related disciplines;
- Creating strong research links by applying for Roy Soc, Leverhulme Trust international programs.
The ideas, methods and results of the members of SP2RC are routinely used by other academics and experts in the area of solar-terrestrial applications as well as other areas. Hence, SP2RC does not only create resources, it also willingly shares it.
Our research also had major societal impact (not just via numerous press-releases and press coverages from e.g. Yahoo.com to, American Weather Channel, CNN, BBC, etc) but also in the world of art and music. The dissemination of results is also carried out using "public" platform e.g.
-http://www.shef.ac.uk/maths/outreach
-http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/
-http://sunbyte.group.shef.ac.uk
Examples of research-related exhibitions, where SP2RC members participated, managed to attract thousands of members of the public:
- http://cargocollective.com/thecuriousmachine
- https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthemind
SP2RC members are continuously involved in public outreach through printed (national and international newspapers) and non-printed media channels (local, national and international radio stations, e.g., space.com, yahoo.com):
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224103041.htm
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2165890/Telescope-finds-solar-tornadoes-heating-suns-surface-millions-degrees-centigrade.html
- http://www.uksolphys.org/uksp-nuggets/
SP2RC has truly international character and important parts of knowledge transfer by SP2RC is also done through the top class training to its PhD students and RAs and collaborating with a large number of eminent international visitors with whom members have links.
Broadly speaking, the methods and techniques relevant to SP2RC research can be applied to some areas of industry, such as fusion reactors, tokamaks, pattern recognition, aviation, medical research etc. Whilst we are not directly working with any companies at present on the commercialisation of this research, it is hoped that, through the dissemination and outreach activities we are carrying out, applications for our knowledge could be found in industry.
The PI/Lead CoIs/CoIs will make sure that the results of their research will be made available openly through the usual channels (for example, visual/written media, public outreach events, publications in refereed journal and conference proceedings, etc.). SP2RC and its individual members will also continue to use their websites as a means to make their knowledge, expertise and results widely accessible.
Organisations
Publications
Korotova G
(2020)
Multipoint observations of compressional Pc5 pulsations in the dayside magnetosphere and corresponding particle signatures
in Annales Geophysicae
Krasnoselskikh V
(2023)
ICARUS: in-situ studies of the solar corona beyond Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter
in Experimental Astronomy
Pope S
(2020)
A Survey of Venus Shock Crossings Dominated by Kinematic Relaxation
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Aryan H
(2019)
Equatorial Magnetosonic Waves Observed by Cluster Satellites: The Chirikov Resonance Overlap Criterion
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Aryan H
(2020)
Outer Radiation Belt Electron Lifetime Model Based on Combined Van Allen Probes and Cluster VLF Measurements
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Walker S
(2020)
Equatorial Magnetosonic Waves: Do Nonlinear Interactions Play a Role in Their Evolution?
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Pope S
(2019)
The First Direct Observational Confirmation of Kinematic Collisionless Relaxation in Very Low Mach Number Shocks Near the Earth
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Boynton R
(2020)
System Identification of Local Time Electron Fluencies at Geostationary Orbit
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Yearby K
(2022)
A Review of Cluster Wideband Data Multi-Spacecraft Observations of Auroral Kilometric Radiation
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Walker S
(2021)
Small-Scale Magnetic Structures: Cluster Observations
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
| Description | The Key findings obtained within the framework of this award can be subdivided in 3 groups: i) Dynamics of key emissions that potentially affect the evolution of fluxes of relativistic electrons in the inner magnetosphere. ii) Development of space weather forecasting tools, in particular, models for the evolution of fluxes of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt. iii) Advances in the physics of collisionless shocks. i) Dynamics of key emissions that potentially affect the evolution of fluxes of relativistic electrons in the inner magnetosphere. 1) Using high time resolution data obtained during the Cluster close separation in the magnetosphere campaign, previously unreported coherent nonlinear structures observed in the magnetic field have been investigated. It has been concluded that these nonlinear structures appear to be generated by thin current filaments whose size is of the order of 10's of km. 2) Very Low Frequency (VLF) chorus waves play a significant role in the dynamics of fluxes of relativistic electrons in the radiation belts. Quantifying the effects of these interactions is crucially important for accurately modeling the global dynamics of the outer radiation belt and to provide a comprehensive description of electron flux variations over a wide energy range (from the source population of 30 keV electrons up to the relativistic core population of the outer radiation belt). The synthetic chorus wave model based on a combined Van Allen Probes and Cluster spacecraft VLF data has been use to create a parametric model for electron lifetimes. "The model provides accurate estimates of electron lifetimes over a wide range of energies as a function of geomagnetic activity". 3) Equatorial magnetosonic emission is one of key emissions that affect dynamics of relativistic electrons in the inner magnetosphere. Using high time resolution data obtained during the Cluster close separation in the magnetosphere campaign it was demonstrated that the role of nonlinear processes in the wave field of these waves is negligible. 4) The spectrum of equatorial magnetosonic waves displays discrete emissions at harmonics of the proton gyrofrequency. However, for modelling purposes such as the calculation of diffusion coefficients used in many first principles type models, these emissions are usually assumed to be a continuous gaussian spectrum when applying quasi-linear plasma theory. The Chirikov criterion is used to investigate whether this assumption is applicable. Based on Cluster observations it was determined that the majority of events did satisfy this criterion. However, there were exceptions, indicating that a more careful approach to these calculations may be required. ii) Development of space weather forecasting tools, in particular, models for the evolution of fluxes of relativistic electrons in the outer radiation belt. 5) Forecast models of GEO electron fluxes for energies corresponding to the GOES electron detector energy ranges which take into account the spatial variations of electron flux at GEO have been developed. It was shown that the performance metrics of the models vary in space and energy, with higher performance for day sectors and high energies. 6) The Sheffield VNC (VERB-NARMAX Coupled model) for the forecast of electron fluxes within the radiation belts and inner magnetosphere has been modified. This model uses the forecast by a data driven NARMAX model to provide boundary conditions for the first principles based VERB model. It was shown how these modifications can improve the accuracy of the forecast. 7) M. Balikhin also contributed to the review led by M. Liemohn of the existing methods for the assessment of geomagnetic index forecast models. This review also discussed a number of "best practice procedures" for an assessment of geomagnetic indices prediction models. iii) Advances in the physics of collisionless shocks. 8) Spacecraft observation, analytical study and test particle simulations have been use to assess effects of non-specular reflection and finite temperature on the width of the foot region within the front of a supercritical quasiperpendicular shock. It was shown that foot width may be as much as half the size predicted using current models. 9) "Kinematic shocks" were first identified in the VEX data in the vicinity of Venus. Correlative analysis of observations of the plasma and magnetic field in the vicinity of the Earth provided the first direct evidence for the process of kinematic relaxation at the terrestrial bow shock. |
| Exploitation Route | These outcomes could lead to: 1)More accurate forecast of fluxes of energetic electrons in the radiation belts. 2) More accurate estimates of the spatial scales of a quasi-perpendicular shock front observed by single spacecraft missions. 3) Better models for key magnetospheric emissions |
| Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine |
| Description | ESA press release related to the Science Advances paper. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | ESA press release, and a few news sites reported news items related to publication 'Direct evidence of nonstationary collisionless shocks in space plasmas' by Dimmock et al, 2019, Science Advances 27 Feb 2019: Vol. 5, no. 2, eaau9926 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau9926. e.g. https://sci.esa.int/web/cluster/-/61162-cluster-reveals-inner-workings-of-earth-s-cosmic-particle-accelerator https://phys.org/news/2019-02-cluster-reveals-earth-cosmic-particle.html http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/irf/pressreleases/cluster-spacecraft-reveals-new-insights-into-the-inner-workings-of-the-earths-natural-particle-accelerator-2841406 https://sciencebulletin.org/cluster-reveals-inner-workings-of-earths-cosmic-particle-accelerator/ |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://sci.esa.int/web/cluster/-/61162-cluster-reveals-inner-workings-of-earth-s-cosmic-particle-ac... |