Cornell University Title: Theoretical Studies on Ionospheric Irregularities in the Magnetosphere Theoretical plasma physics is currently a very active research field due in part to the large investments by the U.S. Government in fusion research and energy resource development. Many of the theoretical tools used to study the instabilities and turbulent behavior in fusion research have direct application problems on the ionospheric scene and the large research effort in theoretical plasma physics has served to accelerate interest, both theoretical and experimental, in ionospheric turbulence. This activity serves to improve our basic understanding of both plasma physics and ionospheric physics, and to provide a firm theoretical and observational base for solving applied problems dealing with radiocommunications, navigation and other technology problems. This research project involves theoretical procedures to explain certain plasma physics phenomena such as instabilities in the ionosphere above 200km and in the high latitude auroral region. The PI is very much involved in both the fusion and ionospheric research communities and as such is an important element in the interchange of ideas between the two groups. This has been beneficial to both in the past and is expected to continue. The PI is an acknowledged leader in these fields and has had outstanding success in applying modern computational techniques to the solution of ionospheric problems. He is held in high esteem by his colleagues and has helped produce well trained graduate students in these fields.
