The Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) Project

Abstract

The Energization and Radiation in Geospace (ERG) project for solar cycle 24 will explore how relativistic electrons in the radiation belts are generated during space storms. This geospace exploration project consists of three research teams: the ERG satellite observation team, the ground-based network observation team, and the integrated data analysis/simulation team. Satellite observation will provide in situ measurements of features such as the plasma distribution function, electric and magnetic fields, and plasma waves, whereas remote sensing by ground-based observations using, for example, HF radars, magnetometers, optical instruments, and radio wave receivers will provide the global state of the geospace. Various kinds of data will be integrated and compared with numerical simulations for quantitative understanding. Such a synergetic approach is essential for comprehensive understanding of relativistic electron generation/loss processes through crossenergy and cross-regional coupling in which different plasma populations and regions are dynamically coupled with each other. In addition, the ERG satellite will utilize a new and innovative measurement technique for wave-particle interactions that can directly measure the energy exchange process between particles and plasma waves. In this paper, we briefly review some of the profound problems regarding relativistic electron accelerations and losses that will be solved by the ERG project, and we provide an overview of the project.