VERSIM
The working group on VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere is an international group of scientists interested in studying the behaviour of the magnetosphere and ionosphere by means of ELF and VLF radio waves, both naturally and artificially generated. The group was set up in 1975 by IAGA (International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy) and URSI (International Union of Radio Science). Originally the emphasis was on probing of the magnetosphere by whistlers, but recently the scope has become somewhat broader. The group aims to promote research in this field by facilitating the exchange of ideas, information and experience between active research workers and other interested scientists. This is done through regular meetings at IAGA and URSI Assemblies, and via the circulation of a newsletter. The group has also been active in sponsoring scientific symposia at IAGA and URSI Assemblies, in areas relevant to its field of interest, and in coordinating observational campaigns. There are currently about 100 scientists from 22 different countries on the VERSIM mailing list.
Forthcoming meetings
Symposium on Whistler-Mode Waves and Particle Precipitation
This will be on Saturday 8 July 1995 during the 21st General Assembly of IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics) to held in Boulder, Colorado, USA, 2-14 July 1995. In this symposium the focus will be on the precipitation into the ionosphere of energetic electrons by whistler mode waves, both natural and artificial. Papers are scheduled on observations of whistler-mode waves and associated wave-induced precipitation effects, as well as on theoretical and computer-based modelling of the interactions and the associated ionospheric effects. The poster session (GAA61G) is 0830-1900 in the Events Centre at the University of Colorado, Boulder campus. The oral session (GAA62C) is 1400-1815 in the CIRES auditorium on the same campus.
Meeting of the WG on VERSIM
This will take place at Boulder on the evening of Saturday 8 July 1995 (exact time and venue to be announced); the purpose of the meeting is to report on past activities in the VERSIM field and to plan future activities. All interested scientists are welcome to attend.
25th General Assembly of URSI
This will be held in Lille, France, in 1996. Some of the proposed sessions for this Assembly, of relevance to VERSIM, are:
- Nonlinear theory and computer simulation on waves and particles in geospace plasma (convenors: H. Matsumoto, M. Abdalla)
- Effects of lightning and VLF waves on the ionosphere (convenors: D. Nunn, M.J. Rycroft)
- Whistler-mode waves and their effects on the radiation belt (convenors: A.J. Smith, U.S. Inan, J. Lemaire)
- Electromagnetic coupling between the ground (including seismic activity) the upper ionosphere and magnetosphere (convenors: M. Parrot, O.A. Molchanov, A.C. Fraser-Smith)
Further information
Contact one of the VERSIM working group co-chairmen:
IAGA Co-chairman A.J. Smith; email a.j.smith@bas.ac.uk
URSI Co-chairman U.S. Inan; email inan@nova.stanford.edu
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