Project description
The impact of foreshock transients on near-Earth space dynamics
Collisionless shocks serve as powerful particle accelerators within astrophysical plasmas. Studies suggest that foreshock transients play a significant role in this acceleration process. These transients are particularly intriguing because they contribute to acceleration at the shock and have broader effects on geospace, generating rapid and intense wave storms within Earth's magnetosphere. The ERC-funded WAVESTORMS project has uncovered the capability of waves to accelerate energetic electrons within Earth’s radiation belts, thereby linking two key acceleration sites at Earth. Through a combination of multi-point in situ observations and global kinetic simulations, the project has untangled the intricate processes involved. The findings of this study promise to revolutionise our understanding of near-Earth space dynamics and particle acceleration in astrophysical contexts.
Objective
This project addresses major open questions in plasma physics: the dynamics of collisionless shocks, their impact on the downstream medium and particle acceleration. Collisionless shocks are powerful particle accelerators, ubiquitous in astrophysical plasmas. Recent works suggest that the dynamics of the shock precursor, or foreshock, contributes greatly to shock acceleration. Here we use near-Earth space as a natural laboratory to quantify the impact of transient kinetic structures forming in the foreshock. These foreshock transients are particularly intriguing because in addition to contributing to acceleration at the shock itself, they impact geospace as a whole in driving swift, intense wave storms in Earth's magnetosphere. In this proposal, I present recent data revealing that these waves accelerate energetic electrons in Earth's radiation belts, connecting for the first time the dynamics of two major acceleration sites at Earth. This issue has never been explored because of considerable challenges: multi-point in situ observations and global kinetic simulations are needed to unravel the complex processes at work. The WAVESTORMS project makes full use of recent advances on both of these fronts to resolve the impact of foreshock transients on near-Earth space in a holistic manner. Using a flagship kinetic model of the global magnetosphere and high-fidelity space- and ground-based measurements, we will (1) fully characterise their interaction with the shock and their contribution to shock acceleration, (2) quantify the radiation belt response (acceleration and losses), (3) connect our findings to the solar wind context, to finally (4) quantify their global impact on near-Earth space. My expertise in foreshock physics and in combining multi-mission data and cutting-edge simulations puts me in a unique position to lead this project. Our results will constitute a breakthrough in our understanding of near-Earth space dynamics and particle acceleration in general.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) ERC-2023-COG
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00014 Helsinki
Finland
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