Space Weather and high Atmospheric Physics group (S.W.A.P.)
The research activity is focused on:
- modelling of magnetospheric, ionospheric and GIC current systems during active magnetic conditions;
- remote sensing of the plasmaspheric mass density;
- ULF waves in the magnetosphere;
- effects of the solar wind variability on Earth’s climate. In this framework, continuous measurements of the geomagnetic field variations in a wide frequency range are carried out at low (SEGMA array) and high (Terra Nova Bay and Dome C, Antarctica) latitude stations.
The group hosts the first University degree program in Italy called Space Weather and high Atmospheric Physic (S.W.A.P.) and the Consorzio Area di Ricerca in Astrogeofisica (https://www.astrogeofisica.it/attivita.asp)
Personnel
Piersanti M., Pietropaolo E., D’Angelo G., Villante U.
Main Research Fields
- Modelling of magnetospheric, ionospheric and GIC current systems during active magnetic conditions.
The modelling of ionospheric/magnetospheric current systems during active magnetic conditions is developed through the analysis of data from observatories in space and ground-based, through the comparison between magnetospheric observations and models, and through direct numerical simulation of the basic physical process. Through the estimate of magnetosphere – ionospheric current system response to SW conditions, especially during a geomagnetic storm, is used to evaluate the Ground Induced currents (GIC) that can interact and disrupt the operation of power grids, magnetic surveying etc. - Remote sensing of the plasmaspheric mass density.
The technique is based on the determination of the field line eigenfrequencies from a cross-spectral analysis between measurements along a magnetometer array of 25 stations that extend from Italy to Finland. Through this technique the following aspects can be analysed: spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of the magnetospheric plasma density during a geomagnetic storm; coupling process between plasmasphere and ionosphere; ionic composition of the magnetospheric plasma. - ULF waves in the magnetosphere.
Through the analysis of geomagnetic field fluctuations in the low frequency range (ULF, 1 mHz – 1Hz), the following aspects about of MHD waves can be analysed: their entry mechanisms through the magnetosphere; their generation mechanisms at the magnetopause; their propagation through the magnetosphere. - Ionospheric dynamics at high latitudes: The reconstruction of the high-latitudes ionospheric dynamics driven by solar wind activity is developed through the comparison between ground based and spacecraft observations, ionospheric models, and through direct numerical simulation of the basic physical process.
- Ionospheric irregularities: Analysis of the different ionospheric plasma parameters retrieved from in-situ and GNSS observations to understand how different configurations of the interplanetary magnetic field-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling are translated into different structuring and dynamics of the ionosphere.
- Ionosphere-thermosphere coupling: Use of joint observations by ground and space-based stations, in order to combine the spatial and temporal resolution required for investigating the cross-scale coupling of the Ionosphere Thermosphere system in terms of influences of thermospheric wind patterns, temperature, composition, and density profiles, contributing to increase the drag suffered by satellites and space debris at low Earth orbit (LEO) during solar active conditions.
Instrumentation operated by UNIVAQ
- SEGMA (South European GeoMagnetic Array): 5 stations magnetometer array located in Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria.
- Magnetic stations in Antarctica: 2 stations operates in Antarctica, one near the Italian base Mario Zucchelli, at Terra Nova Bay, and the other one near the Italian-French base of Concordia, at Dome C, in the Antarctic plateau. Both stations are equipped with tri-axial induction magnetometers which provide continuous ULF (1 mHz – 1 Hz) magnetic measurements also during the austral winter.
- Electric Field Detector on board of the CSES-02 Satellite (jointly with INAF-IAPS)
Group web page
Contact person: Mirko Piersanti and Giulia D’Angelo