Aims
After studying this course students should be able to:
• understand disturbances in the near-Earth space environment
• to apply fluid theory to large scale plasmas
• understand the complementary nature of kinetic and fluid plasma descriptions
• understand Earth’s space environment in relation to that of other planets
• have an introduction to current key research
• Overview: the solar atmosphere, solar wind and interactions with planetary bodies
• The fluid theory of plasmas, frozen-in theorem (use example of Parker spiral of interplanetary magnetic field)
• The shape of the Earth's magnetosphere: the balance of thermal, dynamic and magnetic pressures
• Magnetic reconnection and how it dominates energy flow in the magnetosphere
• Convection and substorm phenomena
• Coronal mass ejections and geomagnetic storms
• Ionosphere and plasmasphere
• Aurora
• Trapped particles, ring current and radiation belts
• Effects of terrestrial disturbance: satellite health and safety, satellite orbit prediction, disruption to communication, navigation, radar systems and power distribution networks
• Applications in fusion research and astrophysics
Assessment methods
Groupwork examples will be marked in the sessions. Each of the five will contribute 2% to the final mark.
| Method | Hours | Percentage contribution |
|---|
| AssessedGroupwork Sessions | - | 10% |
| Exam | 2 hours | 90% |
Referral Method: See notes below
By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.