Module Information
Module Identifier
PHM5760
Module Title
Studies in the Upper Polar Atmosphere
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
PHM5920
Pre-Requisite
PH22510; and specific academic requirements as in the students' handbook
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | AGF301 Combined: Written Examination + Approved Project Report | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | AGF304 Combined: Oral Examination +Approved Project Report | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | As determined by the Departmental Examination Board | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
Describe the relationship between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere.
Identify the different regions in the polar and auroral zones.
Describe the main electric current systems relating the magnetosphere and the ionosphere.
Describe the fundamental theories of incoherent scatter processes and signal processing.
Give a technical description of the EISCAT Svalbard radar.
Brief description
The module, which is delivered and assessed at UNIS located in Longyearbyen, Svlabard, consists of 2 parts:
AGF-301 The Upper Polar Atmosphere.
AGF-304 Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma.
These qualify for 30 ECTS credits which are equivalent to 60 Aberystwyth Credits.
AGF-301 The Upper Polar Atmosphere.
AGF-304 Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma.
These qualify for 30 ECTS credits which are equivalent to 60 Aberystwyth Credits.
Content
AGF-301 The Upper Polar Atmosphere (15 ECTS)
This course describes the interactions between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere and the consequences of these processes for the ionised region of the upper atmosphere i.e. the ionosphere. Energy, particles and momentum transferred from the solar wind manifest themselves in the upper Polar atmosphere, particularly as the aurora, but also in terms of powerful electric currents and wind systems (ion winds as well as winds in the neutral gas). Central elements in this course are descriptions of the Earth's magnetic field, the magnetosphere, ionisation processes and the formation of the ionosphere.
AGF-304 Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma (15 ECTS)
The course begins by discussing basic ionospheric HF sounding techniques and radar design. An introduction is given to basic plasma physics, discussing both the fluid and kinetic theory approaches before providing a detailed description of how these fundamental theories are applied to the incoherent scattering processes. Lectures also focus on the mathematical techniques utilised in the signal analysis process and the resulting autocorrelation function and power density spectrum. A technical description is given of the EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) including transmitter, receiver and antenna design.
For the full details on these courses see the UNIS Course Catalogue on http://www.unis.no/
Prior to the courses students are required to attend one week of compulsory Arctic survival and safety training (AS-101).
This course describes the interactions between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetosphere and the consequences of these processes for the ionised region of the upper atmosphere i.e. the ionosphere. Energy, particles and momentum transferred from the solar wind manifest themselves in the upper Polar atmosphere, particularly as the aurora, but also in terms of powerful electric currents and wind systems (ion winds as well as winds in the neutral gas). Central elements in this course are descriptions of the Earth's magnetic field, the magnetosphere, ionisation processes and the formation of the ionosphere.
AGF-304 Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma (15 ECTS)
The course begins by discussing basic ionospheric HF sounding techniques and radar design. An introduction is given to basic plasma physics, discussing both the fluid and kinetic theory approaches before providing a detailed description of how these fundamental theories are applied to the incoherent scattering processes. Lectures also focus on the mathematical techniques utilised in the signal analysis process and the resulting autocorrelation function and power density spectrum. A technical description is given of the EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) including transmitter, receiver and antenna design.
For the full details on these courses see the UNIS Course Catalogue on http://www.unis.no/
Prior to the courses students are required to attend one week of compulsory Arctic survival and safety training (AS-101).
Transferable skills
Fieldwork at the Kjell Henriksen Observatory and the EISCAT Svalbard Radar.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7