SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS
PHY4STP
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Topics of space plasma physics and Sun-Earth connection are considered. Plasma is a 4th state of matter and 99% of Universe consists of plasma, including near-Earth and outer space. Solar flares, aurora borealis, and magnetic storms are only a few examples of a manifestation of plasma processes. Thus it is essential for modern life to understand basic principles and laws which describe dynamics of plasma systems. Fundamental processes in plasma, based on particle and fluid description of plasmas, are considered. The covered topics include: reactions on the Sun, solar cycle, coronal holes and coronal mass ejections, formation and propagation of the solar wind, formation of the magnetosphere, plasma dynamics inside different magnetospheric regions, solar-wind magnetosphere coupling, magnetic storms and sub-storms, formation and properties of the ionosphere and propagation of radio waves through the ionosphere.
Faculty: Faculty of Science, Tech & Engineering
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Brian Abbey
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 4 - UG/Hons/1st Yr PG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Acceptance into an honours or masters program in the Department of Physics, or approval of Department of Physics postgraduate co-ordinator
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: PHY4HNA, PHY4HNB
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Basic Space Plasma Physics | Prescribed | W.Baumjohann and R.A. Treumann | IMPERIAL COLLEGE PRESS, 2004 |
| Readings | Introduction to Space Physics | Prescribed | M.G. Kivelson and C.T. Russell (Eds) | CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 1995 |