Communicating Interhemispheric Asymmetry Science using the Capabilities Assessment Matrix (CAM)

The geospace system, consisting of near-Earth outer space (the magnetosphere and its interaction with the solar wind) and the upper atmosphere (the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere), can become highly asymmetric between the northern and southern hemisphere. The drivers of such asymmetries can be intrinsic to the system (e.g., dipole tilt and other seasonal effects) or dependent on other asymmetries (e.g., differences in the auroral ovals between hemispheres). Asymmetries therefore cascade throughout the tightly coupled, non-linear geospace environment.

Studying such asymmetries is extremely challenging. Simultaneous observations of both hemispheres are required but rare. Asymmetries span different systems and physical processes, requiring inter-domain collaboration and knowledge. Numerical models are built on the assumption of symmetry, often in subtle ways. Research is relegated to regional studies instead of a larger, system-level effort.

This presentation introduces a new tool for communicating the science and existing capabilities of interhemispheric asymmetries: the Capabilities Assessment Matrix (CAM). The CAM is a dynamic online database of interactive articles on different asymmetric processes and features in the geospace system. The causes and effects of each asymmetry are described, as are the capabilities, or lack thereof, of relevant numerical models for investigating the asymmetry. Articles are connected using keywords that link articles together, creating a web of information. The site is open for moderated comments and contributions. As the CAM grows, new inter-domain connections are revealed via the keyword linking system and strengths and weaknesses in our current capabilities are identified. Here, we introduce the CAM and explore how this new community tool works. The development and deployment of the CAM is discussed, as well as early insights into the nature of interhemispheric asymmetries it has revealed.

The CAM can be accessed at https://cusia.uta.edu/cam/