Observations and Simulations of the Coupling Processes Between the Ionosphere and Thermosphere in Different Scales

About this Research Topic

Background

In the upper atmosphere, there are several physical mechanisms to couple the ionosphere and thermosphere. The neutral winds could transport the plasma along the geomagnetic field lines. The plasma could feed back to affect the neutral winds through the ion drag forces due to the collision between ions and neutrals.

The coupling process across multiple scales in the ionosphere-thermosphere coupled system is a critical challenge for both modeling and observations. For instance, the equatorial F-region daytime large-scale dynamo is closely related to the E-region dynamics; the neutral gas heating rate could be increased when the small-scale features in the electric field and particle precipitation could be captured in the model.

This Research Topic solicits papers on a wide range of studies on the coupling processes between the ionosphere and thermosphere across different scales. The relevant topics include, but are not limited to: ionospheric current system and global energy transfer and deposition during geomagnetically disturbed times, ionospheric irregularities, thermospheric winds, and ionospheric density during both disturbed and quiet times, etc. Papers on the observation, modeling and data science of the relevant topics are welcome.

This Research Topic encourages Original Research papers, Perspective articles, Opinions, Review articles and Mini-Review articles, Hypothesis and Theory papers, etc.

Keywords: Modeling, Observations, Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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