Cluster Multi-Spacecraft Studies of Boundary Layers and Energy Transport in the Magnetosphere

We intend to use data from the Cluster mission to get a better understanding of processes and dynamics involved in the energy transfer from the solar wind, via the Earth;s magnetosphere and into the ionosphere. Specifically, we plan to pursue the followin g studies : a) Study of the plasma convection across the polar cap ionospheres. Combine Cluster measurements and ground based radar from the EISCAT facility to study plasma transport on small scales. b) Utilize new methods to survey the density, convecti on and plasma transport through the magnetotail lobes. c) Examine processes and characteristic properties of the magnetopause and its boundary layer, with special emphasis on mechanisms responsible for transfer of energy and momentum across the boundary. d) Utilize Cluster's ability to measure electric current desities to study field aligned currents and their closure in the ionosphere.