Kinetic Framework for the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere-Polar Wind System: A UnifiedApproach for Studying Hot and Cold Plasma Interactions

The Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere-Polar Wind System is complex; it varies on a wide range in spatial and temporal scales, exhibits relatively thin ion-scale boundaries (e.g., bow shock, magnetopause, magnetotail), contains hot and cold particle populations, and the particle distribution functions are typically non-Maxwellian. The existing space weather frameworks are based on global fluid models and therefore cannot address many important issues concerning particle, momentum, and energy coupling in the system. To remedy this situation, we have formed a multi-disciplinary team to create a new kinetic modeling framework. The new framework will include kinetic electron and ion formulations for the ionosphere, plasmasphere, and polar wind domains, and kinetic ions and fluid electrons for the magnetosphere. The proposed methodology is expected to lead to breakthroughs in studying numerous problems/issues, including the self-consistent formation of the ring current, the self-consistent formation of ion scale turbulence and waves, the calculation of appropriate reconnection rates, the effect that multiple species and ion outflows from the ionosphere have on the development and evolution of storms/substorms, among others. The presentation will focus on the current state and capabilities of the global kinetic models that form the framework for the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Plasmasphere-Polar Wind Model.