Analysis of optical observations and three-dimensional hybrid code simulation of the CRRES plasma injection experiments in space

Abstract

Dissertation (Ph.D.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1998The Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) was a NASA funded campaign designed to study a variety of plasma processes in the Earth's space environment. An analysis of optical data from three CRRES plasma injection experiments, in conjunction with results from a three-dimensional hybrid code simulation, have provided new insights into small-scale coupling processes in the ionosphere. The results have direct application to auroral processes, comets, and other similar geophysical/astrophysical systems