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
Geology and geochemistry of Permian and Triassic sediments in Perth Basin for exploration of petroleum in WA. A mutlidisciplinery approach using molecular organic geochemical analyses combined with geological information will innovatively contribute to a coherent portrayal of the decline, collapse and subsequent recovery of biological species at the Permian/Triassic extinction event in Western Australia and other parts of the world. The proposed study will particulary focus on environmental ch ....Geology and geochemistry of Permian and Triassic sediments in Perth Basin for exploration of petroleum in WA. A mutlidisciplinery approach using molecular organic geochemical analyses combined with geological information will innovatively contribute to a coherent portrayal of the decline, collapse and subsequent recovery of biological species at the Permian/Triassic extinction event in Western Australia and other parts of the world. The proposed study will particulary focus on environmental changes closely related to deposition of petroleum source rocks globally but also focussing on the Perth Basin of the Triassic. This information will then be used to better identify rocks in Australia offering good sources of petroleum.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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775621
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,000.00
Summary
Mileura Widefield Array: A New Low Frequency Telescope. A new radio-quiet site for international radio astronomy is being developed at Mileura in Western Australia. We have constructed a low frequency test array on the site, and established that the site is excellent for radio astronomy. We plan to build a telescope which will observe the early universe, when stars and galaxies where first born. This will be the first telescope capable of this type of measurement of the early universe. In addi ....Mileura Widefield Array: A New Low Frequency Telescope. A new radio-quiet site for international radio astronomy is being developed at Mileura in Western Australia. We have constructed a low frequency test array on the site, and established that the site is excellent for radio astronomy. We plan to build a telescope which will observe the early universe, when stars and galaxies where first born. This will be the first telescope capable of this type of measurement of the early universe. In addition, the telescope will measure the solar wind, and its potential interactions with the earth.
Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0451713
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$583,605.00
Summary
Completion of the Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER). TIGER is part of an international high frequency radar consortium (SuperDARN) studying the coupling of space weather processes to the ionosphere. This is critical for radio, navigation and surveillance networks. TIGER provides important new information because it extends the global radar coverage significantly equatorward, and it can be combined with other radars in Antarctica and Alaska. However, only one of the two T ....Completion of the Tasman International Geospace Environment Radar (TIGER). TIGER is part of an international high frequency radar consortium (SuperDARN) studying the coupling of space weather processes to the ionosphere. This is critical for radio, navigation and surveillance networks. TIGER provides important new information because it extends the global radar coverage significantly equatorward, and it can be combined with other radars in Antarctica and Alaska. However, only one of the two TIGER radars necessary to carry out these studies has been built. This proposal is for completion of the second radar, to be located in New Zealand. The US Air Force has already granted A$443k toward this project.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.
Read moreRead less
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
Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer a ....Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer arrays to thus study the spatial and temporal variation in particle density near the plasmapause. Comparison with VLF and spacecraft measurements will provide new information on the plasma composition and dynamics in this important region.Read moreRead less