Meeting Highlights Meeting HighlightsU21A
Union Tutorials
On Tuesday morning there will be four 35-minute talks on topics that
are highlighted throughout the meeting. These talks are designed to introduce
some of the key ideas surrounding a topic that will help nonspecialists
who want to learn more about topics in the Union outside their specialty.
These talks cover regional climate and assessing climate change; space
weather and its effect on technology; the geopolitics of conflict diamonds;
and geoscience and policy.
U41A, U42A
Ice Sheets, Neotectonics, and Sea-Level Change
An oral and poster session focus on ice sheets and the effect of ice
on tectonics and sea level. This includes monitoring and modeling current
ice sheets as well as simulations of Laurentide ice sheet evolution.
U42B
Geophysics in the 20th Century: Contributions From Washington
As the Spring Meeting returns to Washington we have a session focusing
on the contributions to geophysics from Washington institutions and the
role of federal programs on geophysical research.
A21A, A22B, A52B, B22B, B42B, H22A, H22B, H51D
Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Ocean, and Land
The availability of remotely sensed data has enabled scientists to
explore phenomena linking components of the Earth system over broad spatial
and temporal scales. These sessions explore a wide variety of issues, including
retrieval of remotely sensed data, calibration and evaluation of these
data, and the application of remote measurements to evaluating land and
water use.
A21B, A21C, A21D, A22A, A22E, A31D, A41D, A51B, A51C, A52F
The Impact of Aerosols on Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate
Natural and anthropogenic activities emit particulate matter into the
atmosphere that can significantly alter chemical processes, the formation
of clouds, and the radiation field. These sessions present measurements
of aerosol concentration and composition in both polluted and clean regions
and modeling studies of the impact of these aerosols on the local and global
environment.
A22C, A31C, A32C, A42A, A51A
BALANCE 2002
This session is organized around "balance," the central theme of geophysical
fluid dynamics. Papers will present applications of geophysical fluid dynamics
to studies of Earth and planetary atmospheres, oceans, and planetary disks.
Atmospheric patterns such as the North Atlantic Oscillation will also be
explored.
A32A, A51E, B32A, B41A, B42A, H32C, H52C
Land-Atmosphere Interactions
Papers in these sessions will describe field experimentation and modeling
related to the understanding of interactions between the land surface/biosphere
and atmosphere over local to regional scales (meters to kilometers). Exchange
and deposition of reactive trace species, water vapor, and carbon dioxide,
as well as transfer of heat and momentum from a variety of land surface
types, will be considered.
A32D, A42B
Seventeen Years of SAGE II Data
The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II) has gathered
more than 17 years of data about stratospheric and upper tropospheric aerosols,
ozone and water vapor. These sessions will describe the recently released
Version 6.1 SAGE II data and some of the scientific studies that have been
done with this data set, contributing to our understanding of the trends
and variability of trace gases and aerosols.
B22B, B42B, H22A, H22B, H51D, A21A, A22B, A52B
Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Ocean, and Land
The availability of remotely sensed data has enabled scientists to
explore phenomena linking components of the Earth system over broad spatial
and temporal scales. These sessions explore a wide variety of issues, including
retrieval of remotely sensed data, calibration and evaluation of these
data, and the application of remote measurements to evaluating land and
water use.
B22C
Food Production and Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Did rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at the end of
the last glacial period trigger settled life and food production? This
session will address the relative roles of climate and carbon dioxide concentrations
in the stimulation of plant production and the possible role in the shift
from nomadic to settled life.
B22D, B31A, B32A, B41A, B42A, B51A, B52A
Biophysical and Biogeochemical Interactions Between the Land and
Atmosphere
A number of sessions will examine the exchanges of water, energy, and
materials between the land surface and the atmosphere. The sessions on
land-atmosphere interactions address the energy and water exchanges between
the land and atmosphere, as well as the impacts of changes in vegetation
on climate. Sessions on ecosystem-atmospheric CO2 Fluxes will explore the
gap in spatial scales between process-level understanding derived from
direct flux observations of carbon dioxide and the observed global atmospheric
CO2 budget. Yet another session addresses nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse
gas and catalytic destroyer of stratospheric ozone, and the use of isotopic
discrimination to close the poorly understood N2O budget.
B32A, B41A, B42A, H32C, H52C, A32A, A51E
Land-Atmosphere Interactions
Papers in these sessions will describe field experimentation and modeling
related to the understanding of interactions between the land surface/biosphere
and atmosphere over local to regional scales (meters to kilometers). Exchange
and deposition of reactive trace species, water vapor, and carbon dioxide,
as well as transfer of heat and momentum from a variety of land surface
types, will be considered.
B42B
Remote Sensing for Policy-Relevant Information
The session will encompass remote sensing based research and applications
that have influenced, do influence, or should influence policy decisions,
address the scientific needs of policy makers, and describe both successes
and deficiencies in the link between Earth science and policy. The session
aims to bridge the gap between lawmakers and scientists so that policy
reflects the most current state of knowledge and embraces developing information
systems.
B52B
The Effects of Urban/Suburban Development on Nutrient Cycling Processes
and Water Quality
This session will include presentations related to the field trips
scheduled for Saturday, 1 June 2002:
Field Trips
Baltimore Ecosystem Study:
The Baltimore Ecosystem Study aims to understand Baltimore as an ecological
system and to determine how the ecosystem changes over long time periods.
Participants will visit a set of small catchments and experimental plots
located in forested, agricultural, suburban, and urban land uses. Participants
will view measurements and results from a set of ecosystem plots and catchment-scale
studies that focus on storage and fluxes of terrestrial carbon, water,
and nutrients. The trip will be led by Larry Band, from the University
of North Carolina, and Peter Groffman, from the Institute of Ecosystem
Studies.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center:
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is dedicated to
increasing knowledge of the biological and physical processes that sustain
life on Earth. SERC's interdisciplinary research applies long-term studies
to examine ecological questions about landscapes of linked ecosystems,
especially those impacted by human activities. Located on the shore of
the Chesapeake Bay in Edgewater, Maryland, SERC uses the geographic features
of the nation's largest estuary to investigate interconnections of aquatic,
terrestrial, and atmospheric components of complex landscapes, which are
then compared on regional, continental, and global scales. Participants
will view measurement sites for specific field-based research projects,
including the response of a salt marsh ecosystem to elevated CO2, nutrient
export from a riverine ecosystem to the Chesapeake Bay, and the effects
of ultraviolet radiation on plankton. The field trip will be led by Patrick
Magonigal, a research scientist at SERC.
ED31B
Much Ado About Criterion Two: Does Anyone Care?
In 1997 the National Science Foundation revised the merit criteria
used for reviewing research proposals and added a second criterion regarding
the "broader impacts" of the proposed activity. In the 2002 Grant Proposal
Guide, NSF mandated that language addressing Criterion Two be included
in both the proposal text and summary and reviews in order to be eligible
for funding. This panel discussion, led by representatives of the National
Science Board and the Geosciences Directorate at NSF, will address the
impact of Criterion Two on the proposal review and funding process. Examples
of activities that successfully address Criterion Two requirements will
also be discussed.
ED42A
Looking to Tomorrow: Research Projects of High School-Aged Geoscientists
Hands-on research opportunities in the Earth and space sciences are
increasingly being made available to precollege students. These programs
are essential both for helping to educate the general public about the
Earth systems and for encouraging students to consider careers in the geophysical
sciences. This session will highlight recent research activities on ecosystems
and nutrient levels in wetlands, climate influences on tree budbursts,
and environmental controls on leaf reflectance spectra being undertaken
by two such high school groups - students from the Greater Richmond Area
Higher Education Consortium and students from the Model Secondary School
for the Deaf (Gallaudet University) who are participating in the Global
Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program.
GC51A, GC52A
Comparing Arctic Models
The Arctic region is critical because it is both sensitive to climate
change and active in global climate feedbacks. This session will focus
on significant recent research toward improving the representation of the
Arctic region in global climate models, including the Sea Ice Model Intercomparison
Project (SIMIP), the Arctic Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project
(ARCMIP), and the Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project (AOMIP). Model
intercomparisons and model validation studies will facilitate exchange
of ideas and methods across many scientific disciplines.
GC41B
Reconstruction and Understanding the Late Maunder Minimum Climate
Anomaly
This session will focus on the extent and pattern of cooling during
the Little Ice Age (broadly synonymous with the "Late Maunder Minimum")
and on the causes of climate change during this time. Topics of particular
interest will include the relative roles of volcanism and solar forcing
in controlling climate change, and the relevance of natural climate forcings
to anthropogenic forcings during recent centuries.
GC42A
Pacific Decadal Variability
Pacific decadal climate variability (PDV) research is producing exciting
new insights and framing important questions in several disciplines. In
this session, multiple dimensions of PDV will be discussed, including observations
from the instrumental record, impacts on hydrology, impacts on marine ecosystems,
paleoclimate evidence, dynamics, predictability, modeling, and PDV research
opportunities in the CLIVAR program.
H22A, H22B, H51D, A21A, A22B, A52B, B22B, B42B
Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere, Ocean, and Land
The availability of remotely sensed data has enabled scientists to
explore phenomena linking components of the Earth system over broad spatial
and temporal scales. These sessions explore a wide variety of issues, including
retrieval of remotely sensed data, calibration and evaluation of these
data, and the application of remote measurements to evaluating land and
water use.
H22D
Designing and Optimizing Long-Term Groundwater Monitoring Programs
Effective environmental management at sites with contaminated groundwater
requires long-term monitoring to assess natural attenuation and other remedial
activities and to verify the integrity of remediated sites and containment
systems. In this special session, investigators representing universities,
government agencies, laboratories, contractors, and private research companies
will discuss current practice and future research needs for design and
optimization of long-term groundwater monitoring programs. Topics range
from optimization methods through case studies and field experience to
revolutionary scenarios for the future of long-term monitoring.
H31A, H32D, H41B
Links Between Hydrology and Water Quality in the Florida Everglades
As science-based restoration efforts commence in the Everglades, it
is imperative that scientists are actively communicating their research
findings with each other and with policy makers. This interdisciplinary
session provides a forum for this interaction, bringing together Everglades
hydrologists, ecologists, and geochemists to present research on the past,
current, and future health of the Everglades.
H31D
Langbein Lecture
The Walter B. Langbein Lecture is the named address of the Hydrology
Section and is given at the AGU Spring Meeting. The lectureship is awarded
for lifetime contributions to the basic science of hydrology and/or for
unselfish service in promoting cooperation in hydrologic research. The
2001 Langbein Lecturer is George Hornberger, a professor of Environmental
Sciences at the University of Virginia, and a past editor of Water Resources
Research. Professor Hornberger's lecture considers the usefulness of uncertain
models in decision making on environmental issues. The lecture focuses
on problems where long-range forecasts of environmental impacts are made
to inform policy debates.
H32B, H41C
Uncertainty Assessments for Environmental Modeling in the Unsaturated
Zone
This special session explores the sources of uncertainty in environmental
modeling of contaminant transport in shallow ground/surface water systems
and discusses methods to evaluate and quantify uncertainty. Examples of
field applications of uncertainty methods in environmental modeling will
include both radioactive and chemical contamination assessments. Uncertainty
assessments involving highly dynamic and transient processes such as rainfall,
infiltration, and ground recharge will also be presented.
H32C, H52C, A32A, A51E, B32A, B41A, B42A
Land-Atmosphere Interactions
Papers in these sessions will describe field experimentation and modeling
related to the understanding of interactions between the land surface/biosphere
and atmosphere over local to regional scales (meters to kilometers). Exchange
and deposition of reactive trace species, water
vapor, and carbon dioxide,
as well as transfer of heat and momentum from a variety of land surface
types, will be considered.
H32E
Advances in Global Water Cycle Research
During the past 2 years agencies within the United States Global Change
Research Program (USGCRP) have been placing increased emphasis on the global
water cycle. This session will bring together the science community and
the federal program specialists to review the needs for water cycle science
and to discuss the advances that are being made in addressing priority
research questions in key aspects of the global water cycle such as water
vapor, precipitation, remote sensing, and biospheric processes.
H42F
Impacts of Land Use Change: Scientific Issues and Policy Relevance
As population in the United States and worldwide grows, pressures to
urbanize the landscape continue to mount. However, development of the landscape
leads to a spectrum of negative hydrologic and biogeochemical consequences.
Presentations in this special session will feature studies of hydrologic
and biogeochemical effects of urbanization, and policy and decision tools
relating to land use change.
H51C
Modeling Groundwater Flow and Transport Using the Analytical Element
Method and Other Analytical Techniques
In recent years, analytic methods have matured into powerful techniques
for simulating groundwater flow in heterogeneous aquifers. The analytical
element method is now being used to create multiaquifer models for integrated
watershed management at regional scales, to study hydrological interactions
between lakes, surface waters, and groundwater, and to define well-head
protection zones around public water supply wells. This special session
will feature the latest theoretical developments of the analytic element
method, analytic-based flow solutions for both the saturated and the unsaturated
zone, as well as application-based developments in modeling of regional
groundwater flow and stochastic dispersion modeling.
H52B
The Role of Models and Data in the TMDL Process
Identifying sources of pollutant loadings, and the contribution of
individual sources to water quality impairment, are but a few of the scientific
challenges to implementing the Clean Water Act's Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) program. This special session will feature a presentation on the
implications of modeling uncertainty for water quality decision-making,
drawing on experiences from the recently completed National Research Council
study of the TMDL process. Researchers will also discuss a wide mix of
empirical and mechanistic modeling approaches for addressing physical,
chemical, and biological water quality issues.
OS22A, OS32A
Ocean Variability
Variability in the ocean stratification, waves, mixed-layer depth,
and circulation is observed on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
This session will explore the coupled air-sea-land-ice interactions responsible
for this variability and relate this variability to climate dynamics.
OS32B
Rachel Carson Lecture
The Rachel Carson lecture will this year be presented by Dr. Jane Lubchenco,
of the Oregon State University. Dr. Lubchenco is an environmental scientist
and marine ecologist. She teaches, conducts research, and works to improve
the communication of scientific knowledge. Her research interests include
biodiversity, climate change, sustainability science, and the state of
the oceans. In her talk, Dr. Lubchenco notes that in the years since Rachel
Carson published her work the ecosystems of the ocean have undergone substantial
changes. Human activity has contributed to these changes, and there is
now the pressing need to protect and restore marine ecosystems. While the
path to accomplish this is not yet fully developed, Dr. Lubchenco believes
that to do so will require the involvement of all areas of the ocean sciences
and the efforts of many. New interdisciplinary areas will be developed
that will bring opportunities to advance understanding.
P31A, P32A, P41A
Mars From Two Perspectives: Global Surveyor and Odyssey
Two orbiting spacecraft are simultaneously operating at Mars, for the
first time since the two Viking Orbiters in the late 1970s. Mars Global
Surveyor (MGS) has been providing a new perspective on Mars since 1997
through high-resolution and wide-angle imaging, precise topographic data
for the entire planet, mapping compositional variations using infrared
spectra, and detection of crustal magnetic anomalies. Mars Odyssey began
its mapping mission in February 2002 with a suite of instruments very complementary
to those on MGS: an imaging thermal and visual spectrometer, a suite of
gamma ray and X-ray detectors, and a radiation monitor for planning of
eventual human expeditions to Mars. The simultaneous operation of both
MGS and Odyssey provides the opportunity for a synergy of observational
opportunities not realized during any previous missions to Mars. Three
sessions are devoted to presenting new results from the extended MGS mission
and first results from the Mars Odyssey mission.
P51A
Mars Sample Return: Science, Implementation, Issues, and Plans
The Mars Exploration Program (MEP) of NASA consists of a series of
robotic missions that will lead toward the eventual return of samples from
Mars. This session presents the scientific rationale behind the MEP, the
anticipated value of obtaining documented samples from the Martian surface,
and issues related to proper handling of materials that could have significant
biological implications.
SA21A, SA22A, SA32A
The Mesosphere/Lower Thermosphere Region: Structure, Dynamics, Composition,
and Emission
The mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) between 50 and 150 km is
a complex region where a variety of processes are important. Papers in
this session explore this variety and highlight the interactions between
radiative processes, chemistry, wave dynamics, turbulence, electrodynamics,
and nonlinear processes. In particular, new results are presented on noctilucent
clouds and other mesospheric chemical and dynamical processes.
SA31A, SA32B
New Results and Approaches to Observations of the Atmospheric Limb
This session brings together observers, theorists, and modelers to
understand how observations of the limb contribute to an understanding
of atmospheric behavior. Special emphasis is given to the Odin satellite,
a combined astronomy/aeronomy mission supported by Sweden, Canada, Finland,
and France, that was launched from Svobodny in Russia on 20 February 2001.
Two instruments, a submillimeter/millimeter radiometer and a combined optical
spectrograph infrared imaging system (OSIRIS), observe the terrestrial
limb in order to permit the retrieval of atmospheric height profiles. The
early results from Odin have revealed the presence of atmospheric structures
and temporal variations that have not been previously observed; at the
same time, these new observations also show the potential for misinterpretation
with traditional observing strategies.
SA42A
Parker Lecture
The Parker Lecture is the solar-heliospheric Bowie Lecture for the
Space Physics and Aeronomy section. The Bowie Lecture series was inaugurated
in 1989 for all sections to commemorate the 50th presentation of the William
Bowie Medal, which is AGU's highest honor and is named for AGU's first
president. The Bowie Medal was awarded to Eugene Parker in 1990. This meeting's
Parker Lecture will be given by Robert P. Lin, of the University of California
at Berkeley. He will describe the Sun as the most powerful particle accelerator
in the solar system and will discuss our present understanding of the fundamental
physical processes in solar flares, based in part on data from the recently
launched High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) spacecraft.
SA42B
Student Contributions to Aeronomy Research
This session is designed to provide a forum for students to present
their ongoing research efforts in aeronomy. The session allows for students,
including theorists, modelers, and experimentalists, to discuss research
in either oral or poster presentations. Emphasis is on the multidisciplinary
nature of the field, representing research from all of subsections of aeronomy.
SA51A, SA52A , SA52B
Preliminary Results From the Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere,
Energetics, and Dynamics (TIMED) Mission
The Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED)
satellite studies the temporal and spatial variations of the basic atmospheric
structure and energy balance between 60 and 180 km. It will provide at
least 2 years of continuous, near-global observations of important geophysical
parameters from a 625-km circular orbit with a 74.1-degree inclination
using four remote sensing instruments. GUVI is a spatial scanning far-ultraviolet
spectrograph that measures composition and temperature in the lower thermosphere,
as well as auroral energy inputs. SABER is an infrared radiometer, which
measures pressure, temperature, and infrared cooling rates in the stratosphere,
mesosphere, and lower thermosphere. SEE is a spectrometer and a suite of
photometers, which measure incoming solar irradiance. TIDI, a Fabry-Perot
interferometer, measures horizontal vector winds, temperature, and composition
in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The TIMED mission also includes
numerous ground-based collaborative observations.
SH21A, SH22D
Magnetic Topology and Complexity of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
During enhanced levels of solar activity, CMEs and their interplanetary
counterparts make an important contribution to the transport of mass and
magnetic flux away from the Sun. The majority of CMEs observed in the heliosphere
are complex, showing a high degree of dynamic variability and complex internal
magnetic and plasma structure. This session focuses on experimental and
theoretical evidence for the causes of complexity of CMEs in both the corona
and solar wind and on topological aspects of CME-associated magnetic fields
and their contribution to the large-scale coronal and heliospheric magnetic
field.
SH21D, SH22A
Energetic Electrons (70 eV to 1 MeV) and Related Electromagnetic
Emissions: Probing the Solar Corona and the Heliosphere
Fluxes and distributions of suprathermal and more energetic electrons
in the energy range extending above ~70 eV are highly variable in the solar
wind. These electrons can be sampled directly in situ and often can be
detected remotely by the electromagnetic emissions that they generate.
Suprathermal and more energetic electrons are excellent tracers of magnetic
field line topology throughout the heliosphere and provide important information
about physical processes occurring at distant sites. They are particularly
useful for probing the magnetic geometries of coronal mass ejections in
the solar wind and corotating interaction regions. Bursts of energetic
electrons associated with solar activity reveal some of the underlying
dynamics of activity in the solar atmosphere and probe processes that affect
particle transport in the heliosphere. Radio observations of these electrons
provide a global perspective of the generation and propagation of energetic
electrons, while observations of very energetic electrons from both the
Sun and galactic sources help reveal the large-scale structure of the heliosphere.
This session brings together theorists and experimentalists to highlight
and discuss recent developments in this expanding field of research.
SH22B, SH22C, SH31A, SH31B, SH32C
The Heliosphere and Its Surrounding Interstellar Medium
The local interstellar medium (LISM) provides an accessible sample
of present-day galactic matter and determines the boundary of our heliosphere.
The flow of neutral interstellar gas through the heliosphere and the interaction
with the surrounding medium at the boundaries provide ample opportunity
for not only in situ observations of particles and fields but also remote
sensing observations using photons and energetic neutral atoms. At the
same time, vastly improved heliospheric modeling provides a framework into
which the observational pieces fit, and exciting new mission and instrument
concepts promise to answer some questions but raise even more. This session
helps synthesize results from efforts designed to determine the physical
parameters and the material composition of the LISM, its interaction with
the Sun and solar wind through the formation of pickup ions and neutral
solar wind, and the size, shape, and character of the heliosphere and its
boundary regions.
SH32A, SH41A, SH42B
Comparative Studies of Solar Activity During the Rising and Declining
Phases of Cycle 23
SOHO, ACE, Wind, Ulysses, Yohkoh, GOES, IMP 8, and a number of other
satellites and ground installations have been monitoring solar activity
since the beginning of the current active period in 1997. These observations
have provided unprecedented detailed studies, covering a diverse range
of phenomena, including helioseismology, coronal mass ejections, flares,
radio emissions, the solar wind, and energetic particles. This session
explores what these observations have revealed about the evolution of the
Sun and interplanetary medium thus far in Cycle 23, as well as the conditions
and physical processes that govern these various manifestations of solar
activity.
SH42A
Parker Lecture
The Parker Lecture is the solar-heliospheric Bowie Lecture for the
Space Physics and Aeronomy section. The Bowie Lecture series was inaugurated
in 1989 for all sections to commemorate the 50th presentation of the William
Bowie Medal, which is AGU's highest honor and is named for AGU's first
president. The Bowie Medal was awarded to Eugene Parker in 1990. This meeting's
Parker Lecture will be given by Robert P. Lin, of the University of California
at Berkeley. He will describe the Sun as the most powerful particle accelerator
in the solar system and will discuss our present understanding of the fundamental
physical processes in solar flares, based in part on data from the recently
launched High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) spacecraft.
SH51A, SH52B
The Heliosphere at Solar Maximum: Karolen Paulerena, In Memoriam
The period of solar maximum is of special interest because it includes
the time when the Sun's magnetic field changes polarity. This session focuses
on the accompanying structural, dynamic, and particle population changes
in the heliosphere. Presentations include observations from the Voyagers
in the distant heliosphere and from the Ulysses fast latitude scan, coordinated
with observations from 1 AU, as well as results from models intended to
explain the effects of the changing Sun and the interaction of the solar
wind and the interstellar medium. This session is dedicated to the memory
of Karolen Paulerena, whose untimely death cut short her blossoming career
as a heliospheric physicist.
SH51B, SH52A
Operational Space Weather Products and Models
A variety of space weather data and models are used as tools or direct
drivers for operational products that in their totality, encompass all
venues (solar, interplanetary, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and neutral atmosphere)
of the space environment. These "operationally utilized" data, models,
and products often represent the "bottom line" of what many researchers,
analysts, and engineers have accomplished. The papers in this session promote
understanding of the difference between the tools and the true end user
(customer), products and knowledge of which are truly operational. As well,
they give information on current operational product use, development,
and validation efforts, aiming toward the goal of pointing out which space
environmental variables should be scrutinized for potential quantitative,
qualitative, or timeliness improvement.
SM21A, SM41B, SM42E
The Physics of the Plasmasphere and Its Coupling to the Ionosphere
and Ring Current
Spectacular new remote imaging of the inner magnetosphere regions and
other recent observations as well as new simulations have led to dramatic
changes in our understanding of the physics of the plasmasphere and its
coupling to its ionospheric source and the energetic ring current with
which it overlaps. This session will provide a forum to present the latest
theoretical, numerical, and observational results related to this region
and discuss and debate the physical understanding from them. Topics include
exchange between ionosphere and plasmasphere, evolution, convection, and
dynamics of the plasmasphere, temporal/spatial structures in the plasmasphere,
wave activities, plasmapause phenomena, and hot-cold plasma interactions
in the plasmasphere-ring current overlap region.
SM21B, SM32A
Magnetic Field Aligned Electric Fields: Causes and Consequences
This session highlights our understanding of how electric fields are
created and the processes that result from their existence in the magnetosphere.
Electric fields directed along the background magnetic field play an important
role in the acceleration of charged particles in space plasmas. The parallel
electric fields which develop between the magnetosphere and the ionosphere
produce the aurora. In reconnection regions, such electric fields produce
plasma jets which pinpoint the diffusion region. Time-varying electric
fields due to solitary structures and waves also play important roles in
the physics of particle acceleration in these regions. Similar processes
are believed to produce observable astrophysical phenomena. Papers in this
session cover theory and modeling; observations from FAST, Cluster, Geotail,
Interball, and other spacecraft; and anticipated results from the upcoming
Magnetospheric Multiscale mission of the causes and consequences of magnetic
field aligned electric fields in space plasmas.
SM22A, SM31B, SM32B
Mysteries of Magnetotail Dynamics
This session will bring together scientists from the recent constellations
of spacecraft with interests in advancing our knowledge of magnetotail
dynamics. A unique and scientifically powerful cofiguration of spacecraft
for the study of magnetospheric dynamics occurred recently when the Polar,
Cluster, and Geotail orbits all penetrated into the region of the nightside
equatorial magnetosphere. These spacecraft observe magnetospheric dynamics
at the critical location where the dipolar magnetic field changes into
an extended taillike field. Together with the global views of the IMAGE
spacecraft and in situ measurements at strategic positions throughout the
magnetosphere with the FAST, SAMPEX, GOES, and Los Alamos geosynchronous
satellites, an unprecedented opportunity is offered to study the explosive
disruption and subsequent evolution of the magnetotail during substorms
and the unresolved reasons for the occurrence of the great magnetic storms.
SM22B
Research Progress and Model Validation Through Community Access
to State-of-the-Art Space Science Models
This session will review scientific progress resulting from community
use of publicly accessible space research models. It will also summarize
advances in validation and metrics evaluations and provide a forum to discuss
new candidate metrics against which models can be evaluated. The growing
importance of space weather research activities enhances the need to expand
model use for the purpose of model validation through comparison with measurements.
The Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) is an activity which strives
to accommodate these needs. CCMC provides to the research community the
benefit of usage of state-of-the-art space science models.
SM31A, SM32C
Turbulence and Dynamics at the High-Altitude Cusp and Dayside Magnetopause
Boundary Layer
The high-altitude cusp and dayside magnetopause boundary layer are
the major regions for transferring solar wind energy, mass, and momentum
into the Earth's magnetosphere. Large turbulent electromagnetic fields
and energetic charged particles with energies of 10-1000 keV are present
in these regions. This session addresses the turbulence and dynamics at
the high-altitude cusp and dayside magnetopause boundary layer. In situ
observations from the CLUSTER II, IMAGE, INTERBALL, and ISTP missions and
theoretical studies for understanding of the solar wind drivers, acceleration
mechanisms, and plasma source and loss processes will be presented.
SM42C
Parker Lecture
The Parker Lecture is the solar-heliospheric Bowie Lecture for the
Space Physics and Aeronomy section. The Bowie Lecture series was inaugurated
in 1989 for all sections to commemorate the 50th presentation of the William
Bowie Medal, which is AGU's highest honor and is named for AGU's first
president. The Bowie Medal was awarded to Eugene Parker in 1990. This meeting's
Parker Lecture will be given by Robert P. Lin, of the University of California
at Berkeley. He will describe the Sun as the most powerful particle accelerator
in the solar system and will discuss our present understanding of the fundamental
physical processes in solar flares, based in part on data from the recently
launched High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) spacecraft.
G31A, G32A
Airborne and Spaceborne Laser Altimetry Observations: Scientific
Applications, Processing Techniques, and Synergy With Other Remote Sensing
Observations
"This session brings together an interdisciplinary group of scientists,
engineers, and end users working in the field of laser remote sensing.
Topics include geolocation processing, system calibration and performance
assessments, data management and visualization, and topography mapping.
Applications of laser altimetry discussed include the determination of
bare Earth topography (in vegetated or built areas), geomorphology and
hazards assessment, recovery of biophysical properties such as canopy height
and biomass, surface change studies, applications to the study of glaciers
and ice sheets, planetary mapping, and fusion of laser altimetry data with
data from other sensors.
GP42A
From Micro to Macro: Magnetic Measurements and Their Interpretation
This session highlights the latest research on the Martian and lunar
magnetic fields, and their interpretation, along with recent results on
the carriers of those magnetic fields.
GP51A
New Developments in Magnetic Instrumentation, Data Acquisition,
and Processing
This session is devoted to new advances in the measurement of magnetic
fields. Featured talks will include the development of a magnetometer designed
to work on the surface of Mars and the mapping of magnetic fields associated
with individual mineral grains. Other talks will discuss the development
of a miniature magnetometer for a fully featured nanosatellite weighing
in at only 25 kg.
M32B
Dana Medal Lecture
The Dana Medal is intended to recognize continued outstanding scientific
contributions through original research in the mineralogical sciences by
an individual in the midst of his or her career. The Mineralogical Society
of America Dana Medal was established in 1998 and named in 2000 in honor
of the legendary contributions by James Dwight Dana (1813-1895) and Edward
Salisbury Dana (1849-1935) to the science of mineralogy. E. S. Dana was
Honorary MSA President from 1926 to1935. The 2002 Dana Medalist is Michael
F. Hochella Jr.
S51A, S52A
Earthquakes and Earth Structure
This session highlights recent discoveries of both earthquake processes
and Earth structure. Topics range from earthquake characterization, hazards,
monitoring, and precursory phenomena to crust and upper and lower mantle
structure. Methods include receiver function analyses, tomographic inversions,
waveform modeling, shear wave splitting, and more. These exciting results
will be presented in a two-part oral and poster session.
T22A
A Memorial Session for Ronald W. Girdler: Rifts, Ridges, Reversals,
and Regional Studies
Ron Girdler had an active and productive career. Together with his
many students, he worked on several aspects of solid Earth geophysics.
From his earlier work on rock magnetics and paleomagnetism through field
work in East Africa and the Red Sea to his later interest in the geologic
signature of impacts, his studies encompassed a number of AGU sections.
Mirroring his career, this session parallels Ron's broad interests with
studies of impact structures, the oceanic crust, and rifting processes.
T22B
Global Earthquake System Science (Monitoring Earthquakes From Space)
This session will present science results from the recently completed
NASA Global Earthquake System Science Program, investigating spaceborne
platforms from which to observe earthquakes and their precursors. Contributions
explore the interplay between spaceborne earthquake monitoring systems,
seismic hazards, and crustal deformation.
T31A
Neotectonics and Hazards: Caribbean and Beyond
The Caribbean region offers excellent examples of active tectonic processes
such as subduction, strike-slip faulting, and collision. As a consequence,
it is also severely exposed to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes,
or tsunamis. In the past few years, significant advances have been made
in imaging and understanding the plate kinematic framework and active deformations
along the boundaries of the Caribbean plate, thanks to a number of geophysical
and geological studies. This sessions aims at bringing together presentations
of the most recent results on active deformation processes in the Caribbean
and other regions around the world, with a particular emphasis on merging
observational results (GPS geodesy, seismology, paleoseismology, marine
surveys, etc.), and models.
V22B
Daly Lecture
The Daly Lecture will be given this year by Professor Chris Hawkesworth,
Department of Earth Sciences, Bristol University, Bristol, UK. Professor
Hawkesworth's research interests include the crystallization of magmas
in different tectonic settings, partial melting and fluid transfer processes
above subduction zones, high-resolution continental records of climate
change over the last 150,000 years, the use of transition metal isotopes
to investigate processes at the interface between biological and inorganic
geochemistry, and the processes of melt generation in large igneous provinces.
The Daly Lecture, part of AGU's Bowie Lecture Series, is an hour-long presentation
in honor of Reginald A. Daly, the distinquished petrologist who was awarded
the Bowie Medal in 1946. Professor Hawkesworth's talk is entitled "Time
Scales of Magmatic Processes" and will be given Tuesday, 28 May at 4:15
P.M. in Room 33 of the Washington Convention Center. The lecture will be
followed by the joint reception for the Planetary Sciences and VGP.
V31A, V32A
Determining Diamond Provenance
The need to remove so-called "conflict diamonds" from the market has
provided an added urgency to discover characteristic properties that reveal
the history of diamond genesis and emplacement. This session will focus
on the most recent advances in diamond analysis and characterization and
their implications regarding diamond formation and provenancing.
V41A
Minerals, Solutions, and Microbial Life
Microbes play an important role in the geochemistry of the planet.
This session will bring together theoretical, experimental, and observational
studies on a variety of biochemical and geochemical systems that cover
low to extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, pH, salinity, dessication,
and radiation.
V51A, V52A
Multidisciplinary Constraints on Volcanic Volatile Budgets
Volcanoes can emit volatiles both passively and explosively, impacting
the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere on scales from local to global.
This session will bring together remote sensors, petrologists, volcanologists,
geochemists, and hopefully geophysicists to discuss topical work on the
supply, storage, and emission of volcanic gases.
V51B, V52B
Element Partitioning and Diffusion in the Earth's Interior
This session will discuss recent progress in the field of element partitioning
and diffusion at high pressures and temperatures. Geochemical models of
large-scale differentiation processes such as core formation, mineral fractionation
in a deep magma ocean, and partial melting beneath hot spots, mid-ocean
ridges, and subduction zones require accurate studies of major and trace
element partitioning and diffusion at conditions relevant to the Earth's
deep interior.
V51C
Education on Volcanology at the Graduate and Undergraduate Levels
This session will explore the range and depth of courses offered in
volcanology at many universities and help students understand and improve
the role volcanology plays in general science education.
V51D
Volatiles and Light Elements in Magmatic Systems
This session aims to bring together recent and ongoing studies which
highlight the role of volatiles (e.g., CO2, H2O, SO2 Cl) and light elements
(e.g., Li, Be, B, F) in various magmatic systems such as MORB, OIB, and
subduction systems.
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