Model Validation Efforts of Auroral Particle Precipitation and Joule Heating

The deposition of solar wind energy into magnetosphere and ionosphere takes three major forms: Joule heating, auroral particle precipitation and energy storage in the ring current. Joule heating has significant consequences for the ionosphere-thermosphere system. Joule heating causes ion upwelling, gravity waves, and winds which in turn affecting F-region dynamics and thermosphere composition. Auroral particle precipitation, as manifestation of solar wind - magnetosphere - ionosphere coupling, can be used as a remote sensing tool for magnetospheric processes. Auroral precipitation study is valuable both in terms of space weather applications and space science research. This paper will present status and validation efforts on how advanced models available at CCMC perform in representing these two important energy dissipation processes, with the intention of spurring further model development needed for improvements.