Localised instabilities in magnetically confined plasmas heated by radio waves. The H-1 Heliac Major National Facility will be used for experiments to search for localised plasma "ballooning" instabilities. These instabilities, studied theoretically but not yet identified in experiments, are thought to limit the pressure achievable in plasmas of interest for production of renewable, low-greenhouse gas emission, fusion power, and are also invoked to explain magnetospheric phenomena like auroral s ....Localised instabilities in magnetically confined plasmas heated by radio waves. The H-1 Heliac Major National Facility will be used for experiments to search for localised plasma "ballooning" instabilities. These instabilities, studied theoretically but not yet identified in experiments, are thought to limit the pressure achievable in plasmas of interest for production of renewable, low-greenhouse gas emission, fusion power, and are also invoked to explain magnetospheric phenomena like auroral substorms. The flexible magnetic configuration, radio frequency (rf) and microwave plasma heating systems, and diagnostic set of H-1 are uniquely suited to this program. Advances in rf plasma techniques and diagnostics will also benefit the development of novel communications and instrumentation technologies.Read moreRead less
The Response of the Middle Atmosphere to Solar and Dynamical Forcing. The region of the atmosphere and ionosphere between 50 and 100 km is difficult to measure directly. We will use a unique array of instruments deployed across Australia to study how this region responds to waves generated in the lower atmosphere and to changes in electromagnetic energy from the sun and particle precipitation from the magnetosphere. Outcomes will help our understanding of how the region is responding to rising l ....The Response of the Middle Atmosphere to Solar and Dynamical Forcing. The region of the atmosphere and ionosphere between 50 and 100 km is difficult to measure directly. We will use a unique array of instruments deployed across Australia to study how this region responds to waves generated in the lower atmosphere and to changes in electromagnetic energy from the sun and particle precipitation from the magnetosphere. Outcomes will help our understanding of how the region is responding to rising levels of greenhouse gas concentrations. Cooling effects are already apparent and our research will look for additional evidence of change.Read moreRead less
Study of the ionospheric E region during disturbed geomagnetic conditions using stereoscopic HF radar observations. This project is expected to benefit Australia by: maintaining and expanding Australia's traditionally strong research positions in the field of space physics; conducting leading edge research in the rapidly expanding field of geomagnetic storm effects on technological systems; establishing bi-directional transfer of radar technology between Australia and international partners; pro ....Study of the ionospheric E region during disturbed geomagnetic conditions using stereoscopic HF radar observations. This project is expected to benefit Australia by: maintaining and expanding Australia's traditionally strong research positions in the field of space physics; conducting leading edge research in the rapidly expanding field of geomagnetic storm effects on technological systems; establishing bi-directional transfer of radar technology between Australia and international partners; providing unique training in space science and advanced data processing highly valued by industry, government and academia' potentially leading to significant improvements in performance and stability of satellite communication and positioning systems; and supporting Australia's critical infrastructure such as surveillance and power distribution networks.Read moreRead less
DYNAMICS OF EARTH'S RADIATION BELTS. Space weather is produced by rapid variations in wave fields and particle populations in near-Earth space, and has many effects. These include damage to spacecraft (causing operational anomalies and loss of service), degrading the performance of GPS, space-ground, HF radio and cable-based networks, and affecting surveillance radars. The core aim of this project is to improve knowledge of the waves and particles causing these effects. While being important to ....DYNAMICS OF EARTH'S RADIATION BELTS. Space weather is produced by rapid variations in wave fields and particle populations in near-Earth space, and has many effects. These include damage to spacecraft (causing operational anomalies and loss of service), degrading the performance of GPS, space-ground, HF radio and cable-based networks, and affecting surveillance radars. The core aim of this project is to improve knowledge of the waves and particles causing these effects. While being important to aerospace engineers, this work also consolidates Australia's international space profile and provides excellent training in this field. Since space weather causes significant radiation exposure to aircraft crew and passengers this work also has broader ramifications.Read moreRead less
Dual Radar Studies of Sub-Auroral Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling. Benefits include:
- improved ability to observe, understand and predict space weather impacts on Australia's communications, navigation, and surveillance capabilities;
- support for specific Australian programs such as: the JORN the over-the-horizon radar coastal surveillance system; IPS Radio and Space Services space weather monitoring activities (TIGER is a key component of the Australian Space Weather Plan - Strategic Plan ....Dual Radar Studies of Sub-Auroral Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling. Benefits include:
- improved ability to observe, understand and predict space weather impacts on Australia's communications, navigation, and surveillance capabilities;
- support for specific Australian programs such as: the JORN the over-the-horizon radar coastal surveillance system; IPS Radio and Space Services space weather monitoring activities (TIGER is a key component of the Australian Space Weather Plan - Strategic Planning to 2010 and Beyond);
- continue to provide Australia with a central role in the multi-nation SuperDARN project that continues to pioneer new initiatives in successful network operations for scientific studies and for the development of space weather data products for monitoring agencies and other scientists.
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Polar Cap Region Boundary Dynamics. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to severely impair critical technology infrastructure. Consequences of strong geomagnetic activity can include power failures, pipeline corrosion, satellite failures, inaccurate GPS positioning and radio navigation. Knowledge of how, where and under which conditions this activity occurs is therefore crucial. The primary aim of this project is to extend our knowledge of the mechanisms by which this activity occurs. This wor ....Polar Cap Region Boundary Dynamics. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to severely impair critical technology infrastructure. Consequences of strong geomagnetic activity can include power failures, pipeline corrosion, satellite failures, inaccurate GPS positioning and radio navigation. Knowledge of how, where and under which conditions this activity occurs is therefore crucial. The primary aim of this project is to extend our knowledge of the mechanisms by which this activity occurs. This work will consolidate Australia's international space profile and provide excellent training in this field, helping Australia's future technology development.Read moreRead less
The aeronomy of the atmosphere between 50 and 110 km. Signals of climate change in the 50 to 110 km height region of the atmosphere are becoming more evident. This region shields the surface from extreme UV radiation and so understanding any changes in the region is important for life. We will improve our understanding of the region and look for additional evidence of changes. We will also contribute to improvements in numerical weather prediction models.
Current-free double layers applied to astrophysical objects and space propulsion. The collaboration between the ANU research group and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) ASTRIUM, the largest European aerospace company, is a unique opportunity for Australia to capitalize on the new discovery of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster made at the ANU. This will allow the Australian space community to stay abreast of international developments in space propulsion and to be with the fore ....Current-free double layers applied to astrophysical objects and space propulsion. The collaboration between the ANU research group and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) ASTRIUM, the largest European aerospace company, is a unique opportunity for Australia to capitalize on the new discovery of the Helicon Double Layer Thruster made at the ANU. This will allow the Australian space community to stay abreast of international developments in space propulsion and to be with the forerunners of this new technology. ANU will have direct access to EADS-ASTRIUM via the relationships developed in this project putting Australia in the enviable position of being an insider in future space developments concerning plasma thrusters and space technology in general.Read moreRead less
Stable Carbon and Hydrogen Isotope Signatures of Chemical Fossils to Infer Palaeoenvironmental Change. Aims are to selectively measure the stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition of individual chemical fossils (biomarkers) in sediments and petroleum. Biomarkers are derived from biochemicals in algae, bacteria and higher plants and their isotopic compositions reflects important information about the climate and environment under which the precursor organisms lived. Periods of palaeoenvir ....Stable Carbon and Hydrogen Isotope Signatures of Chemical Fossils to Infer Palaeoenvironmental Change. Aims are to selectively measure the stable carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition of individual chemical fossils (biomarkers) in sediments and petroleum. Biomarkers are derived from biochemicals in algae, bacteria and higher plants and their isotopic compositions reflects important information about the climate and environment under which the precursor organisms lived. Periods of palaeoenvironmental change will be established through the varied stable isotope compositions of certain biomarkers within samples sectioned from sediment profiles of different age. This information will then be used to better identify rocks in Australia offering good sources of petroleum.Read moreRead less
COUPLING OF SOLAR WIND ENERGY INTO THE EARTH'S ENVIRONMENT. We will investigate energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth's space environment, and down to low altitudes. The coupling occurs via reconnection between geomagnetic and interplanetary field lines, ultra-low frequency waves, and momentum transfer. Signatures of these processes include perturbations in the ionosphere and the geomagnetic field and these will be examined using ionospheric radars and sounders (in Tasmania, Antarcti ....COUPLING OF SOLAR WIND ENERGY INTO THE EARTH'S ENVIRONMENT. We will investigate energy transfer from the solar wind to the Earth's space environment, and down to low altitudes. The coupling occurs via reconnection between geomagnetic and interplanetary field lines, ultra-low frequency waves, and momentum transfer. Signatures of these processes include perturbations in the ionosphere and the geomagnetic field and these will be examined using ionospheric radars and sounders (in Tasmania, Antarctica, Canada and Alaska) and magnetometers (Antarctica and Alaska). Space weather can profoundly affect satellite, radio and terrestrial communication networks and observations of the type described here are essential to the development of realistic space weather models.Read moreRead less