Splinter Group - Chairs: Splinter Group – Chairs: Geoff Reeves (LANL) and Howard Singer (SEC/NOAA)

Session Synopsis:

A major goal of the ISTP Solar Maximum mission is to understand the response of the magnetosphere to solar wind driving conditions at solar maximum and at solar minimum. This splinter session deals with the response of the inner magnetosphere, particularly the ring current and the radiation belts. We encourage presentations on physical processes that can be clarified by comparing one storm to another and by comparing processes at different energy ranges. We will also discuss specific storm intervals to determine which storms are particularly well-suited to detailed analysis in "campaign mode". Events that have already been suggested include:

• May 15-18, 1997,
  
• Feb 17-21, 1998,
  
• May 2-10, 1998 and
  
• Aug 5-7, 1998

• To assess what we currently know about the different inner magnetosphere responses at solar maximum and solar minimum.

• To identify the characteristics of particular storms that could lead to improved understanding of the response of the inner magnetosphere during solar maximum and solar minimum.

• To select storms that are particularly well-suited to detailed analysis in "campaign mode".

• To discuss coordination with the GEM Inner Magnetosphere/Storms campaign.

• To develop a strategy that will maximize scientific return from the solar maximum events expected over the next few years.