Project -
SuperDARN Science Thrust -
Energy and mass transport and scaling in space plasmas.
- space weather - "standard" two-minute global convection paterns (cross-cap potential)
- Assimilative global convection - joint radar, magnetometer, satellite (e. g. Cluster)
- global current circuit and associated FAC pattern (with global conductivity obtained using
optical instruments)
- magnetospheric dynamics and its relationship to IMF
- F-region scattering processes
- relationship of convection to optical patterns in the auroral zone and polar cap
- E-region scattering and dynamics via HF and joint HF/VHF studies
- ionospheric structure using interferometry and polarimetry (SD as an oblique ionosonde)
- gravity waves and their relation to energy input in the auroral zone and polar cap
Strategic
Benefits
- access to overall SuperDARN database for general space environment research
- access to Real-time data for two minute global convection maps
- training of HQP, including RA's, PDFs, engineers, technicians and others
- excellent projects for graduate students
- observations complementary to CANOPUS and NORSTAR
- observations supportive of Canadian and international
space weather efforts (ie, provide cross-polar cap potential in real time etc)
Instrumentation
- HF radars in Saskatoon, Prince George
- SuperDARN International Data Copy & Distribution Facility at Saskatoon
- PolarDARN - at Rankin Inlet and Inuvik (planned)
- HF Modem systems for radar data transmission to UNBC (Prince George radar)
and U of S (Saskatoon radar)
- Computational facility upgrades (planned)
Financial
Resources (in place)
- 140 k/year NSERC MFA for Saskatoon and PG radars (until March 2002)
- 170 k/year NSERC CRO for scientific personel (until 2005)
Financial
Resources (additional)
- 25 k/year CSA contract for SuperDARN Data Copy and Distribution Center
operation and Radar Facility operation (starting in 2000); this new
contract will replace the previous $25 k DAN Saskatoon Node Manager contract
- PolarDARN acquisition - 1.5 M
- PolarDARN operations - 80 k/year
- computational resources - 200 k
Schedule
- Installation of PolarDARN - year following funding
