The Norwegian Cluster studies 2010-2012

This is a joint project submitted by researchers from the University of bergen (UiB), the University of Oslo (UiO), the University Studies on Svalbard (UNIS) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE) to support Norwegian Cluster studies for 2010-2012. The main themes of the proposal are transport mechanisms and reconnection processes in the Earth's magnetotail. We plan to utilize the large data set obtained by the Cluster spacecraft during the last 8 years, but also data expected from the m ission in new regions of space to be probed in the coming years. Science issues to be addressed are closely related to the primary objectives of the Cluster mission and future multi-spacecraft missions. Many members of the team are Co-investigators of several of the experiments onboard Cluster (RAPID, EDI, EFW, PEACE, ASPOC), and are international recognized specialists within their field. The Norwegian team will focus on themes where we have strong experience and expertise and can make significant contribution to the space science community. Among the themes we plan to address is the role of magnetic reconnection in the magnetotail, acceleration mechanisms in and near the polar cusp and plasma transport across the polar cap. The proposed project will provide young scientist a opportunity to work in a team of experienced scientists. Cluster is also a highly international mission, and the project will strengthen our collaboration with the top science communities all over the world. The project is also important to maintain the knowledge in preparation for future multi-spacecraft missions such as the Magnetospheric Multispacecraft Mission(MMS) and the Cross Scale mission.