Modeling Ionospheric Outflows In Global Models (Invited)

The magnetosphere contains a significant amount of ionospheric O+, particularly during geomagnetically active times. The presence of this ionospheric plasma has a notable impact on magnetospheric composition and processes. We present our methodology for including an ionospheric mass source into global models, and for tracking the consequences for the space environment system. An overview of our recent efforts is provided. In particular, we illustrate the effect that plasma of ionospheric origin can have on the magnetosphere by simulating extreme geospace events when the fraction of O+ is largest, and contrast those results with simulations of more moderate events. We also compare different techniques of modeling/tracking ionospheric outflow, and explore the implications for the storm-time ring current and magnetospheric magnetic field configuration.