The objectives of the CoreSat project are to undertake high risk, high gain research in order to:
(a) Reveal small scales and rapid time changes of the core-generated magnetic field
(b) Test whether rotation-dominated core convection explains the recent time-dependence of the South Atlantic Anomaly
In order to accomplish this we are working on three related projects
Task 1. Co-estimation of separate models for lithospheric and core magnetic fields
This involves developing new methods of using prior information in geomagnetic field modelling to better separate small scales of the core field from lithospheric field components. In particular utilizing information from crustal geology and dynamo theory, within frameworks new to geomagnetism including geostatistical probabilistic inversion and machine learning.
Task 2. Characterisation of the quiet-time polar ionospheric current system
This involves developing new geomagnetic field modelling schemes, using multi-satellite data and space physics models, to better isolate rapid core field changes and it particular to study in detailed the recent evolution of the south Atlantic anomaly.
Task 3. Assimilation of satellite magnetic data into a quasi-geostrophic core convection model
This involves the development of new hybrid quasi-geostrophic-3D models of strongly-driven, rapidly rotating core convection and the resulting magnetic induction. In addition we are working on the assimilation of data from networks of virtual geomagnetic observatories, derived from mulitple satellites, which providing information on core field evolution in a form suitable for linking to core dynamics.