IAGA/ URSI JOINT WORKING GROUP on:
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The working group on VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of the Ionosphere and
Magnetosphere (VERSIM) is an international group of scientists interested in
studying the behaviour of the magnetosphere and ionosphere by means of ELF
(300 Hz - 3 kHz) and VLF (3-30 kHz) radio waves, both naturally and
artificially generated. The group was set up in 1975 by IAGA (International Association of
Geomagnetism and Aeronomy) and URSI
(International Union of Radio Science), see history. Originally the emphasis was on
probing of the magnetosphere by whistlers, but later the scope became somewhat
broader. The group aims to promote research in this field by facilitating the
exchange of ideas, information and experience between active research workers
and other interested scientists. This is done through regular meetings at
IAGA and URSI Assemblies, and via the circulation of a newsletter. The group
has also been active in sponsoring scientific symposia at IAGA and URSI
Assemblies, in areas relevant to its field of interest, and in coordinating
observational campaigns. At present the main subjects of interest include
Plasma structures and boundaries - morphology and dynamics,
Wave-particle and wave-wave interactions, Wave-induced particle
precipitation, Wave propagation in magnetosphere and ionosphere,
Sprites and the effects of lightning on the ionosphere. There are
currently almost 100 scientists from 21 different countries on the VERSIM
mailing list.
Some VERSIM Research Laboratories
(Please notify any additions/corrections to A.J. Smith.)VLF Data on the Web
IUGG, Sapporo, 2003
The 23rd General
Assembly of the
International Union of Geodesy and
Geophysics (IUGG),
which encompasses IAGA, will be held in Sapporo, Japan, 30 June -
11 July 2003. The scientific programme and information on how to register for
the assembly may be found on the web site,
or contact the organising committee at email:
iugg_service@jamstec.go.jp or
fax: +81 468-67-9315.
There will be several sessions of interest to VERSIM, but particularly:
GAIII.02 What Role Do Waves Play in Transport and Acceleration of Ring
Current and Radiation Belt Particles?
Waves which violate the first and third invariant conservation can,
respectively, affect radial diffusion and pitch angle scattering of
equatorially confined radiation belt electrons. The former, VLF waves, may
also cause localized energization through radial transport and first invariant
conservation. Ring current ions undergo drift-bounce resonance with ULF waves
in the same mHz frequency range as electrons experience drift resonance, while
both cyclotron and drift resonant effects influence trapping criteria of ions
ranging from ring current to solar energetic particle and CRAND proton
energies. This session will include wave effects in the preceding categories
on particles of energies of order 10keV - 10MeV, which populate the inner
magnetosphere with variable flux levels depending on the state of the solar
wind coupling to the magnetosphere.
Conveners: R. Horne and M. Hudson
GAIII.10 How can we Use Waves as Diagnostic Probes for Space Weather
Studies?
This session, convened by K. Yomoto, F. Menk and A.J. Smith, will
focus on "the use of ULF, ELF and VLF waves as diagnostic probe of the solar
wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupled system for a space weather study. These
waves convey information about the dynamics and morphology of the
magnetosphere and its coupling to the solar wind and ionosphere. Papers
obtained by new and established coordinated ground and space-based
observations for a space weather study are strongly encouraged."
VERSIM Business meeting
There will be a meeting of the VERSIM working group during the Sapporo
Assembly, at 1900 on Monday 7 July 2003 in Pearl Hall A, Royton Hotel.
Other forthcoming meetings
Toulouse, France, 18-29 July 2005
URSI, Maastricht, 2002
The 27th General Assembly of URSI
was held in Maastricht, the Netherlands 17-24, August 2002. There was a
meeting of the VERSIM working group during the Assembly, on 19 August 2002. A
report is here.
VERSIM bibliography
Please send any additions or corrections to Michel Parrot.
Obituaries
Previous editions of this page
VERSIM Newsletters
The VERSIM Newsletter (and its predecessor, the PEPM Newsletter) has
been published about 1-2 times per year. The
latest issue (No. 15) was published in June
2001. Newsletters up to No. 13 were distributed on paper. From No. 14 onwards
they will be distributed electronically, either via the VERSIM electronic mailing list or through this
web page. Here is an archive of past VERSIM Newsletters:
Further information
Contact one of the VERSIM working group co-chairmen:
IAGA Co-chairman A.J. Smith; email
a.j.smith@bas.ac.uk
URSI Co-chairman M. Parrot; email
mparrot@cnrs-orleans.fr
This document is maintained by A.J. Smith and was last updated 28 May 2003.