About Us
Our team Atmospheric Coupling Studies (ACS) is composed of dedicated young and senior researchers and scientists committed to enhancing the understanding of the interactions between the Sun and the Earth system, including the coupling processes within the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere (MIT) system. ACS promotes international collaboration and multidisciplinary research combining observations, simulations, geodetic measurements, and modeling tools. The group contributes to the advancement of Geodetic Space Weather Research through activities coordinated with ICCT, GGOS, and IAG initiatives.
The physical state of the upper atmosphere is controlled by several external and internal drivers. Solar X-ray and Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) radiation drive photoionization and molecular dissociation, while the solar wind and the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) contribute to particle precipitation and Joule heating at high latitudes. Simultaneously, atmospheric tides, gravity waves, and planetary waves generated in the lower atmosphere propagate upward and influence thermospheric circulation and ionospheric electrodynamics.
ACS aims to improve scientific understanding of atmospheric coupling processes and contribute to better monitoring, modeling, and forecasting of space weather phenomena that affect satellite operations, radio communications, GNSS positioning, and other technological systems.
Members for the Current Term 2024-2028:
Chair: Andres Calabia Aibar
Vice-Chair: Binod Adhikari
- Yury Yasyukevich, Russia
- Anoruo Chukwuma, Nigeria
- Munawar Shah, Pakistan
- Binod Adhikari, Nepal
- Andres Calabia, Spain
- Astrid Maute, USA
- Gang Lu, USA
- Naomi Maruyama, USA
- Christine Amory-Mazaudier, France
- Ayomide Olabode, Germany
- MD Rodriguez Frias, Spain
- Nadia Imtiaz, Pakistan
- Aurora Segrelles, Spain
- Virginia Klausner de Oliveira, Brazil
- Yan Xiang, China
- Ashok Silwal, Nepal
- Mohamed Freeshah, Egypt
Our Work
Our research focuses on understanding how energy is transferred from the Sun through the magnetosphere into the ionosphere and thermosphere. We investigate solar wind-magnetosphere interactions, geomagnetic storms, thermospheric density variations, ionospheric disturbances, and the role of lower-atmospheric forcing on near-Earth space.
The ACS team integrates observations from GNSS networks, satellite accelerometry, magnetometers, ionosondes, and satellite missions to investigate the response of the upper atmosphere to solar and geomagnetic forcing. Particular emphasis is placed on Essential Geodetic Variables (EGVs), especially Total Electron Content (TEC) and Thermospheric Mass Density (TMD).
Our studies combine observations with empirical and physics-based models such as OpenGGCM, TIEGCM, JB2008, and NRLMSISE-00. We also explore machine learning and data-assimilation techniques to improve understanding and forecasting of ionospheric and thermospheric variability.
Research Objectives
- Investigate energy transfer processes throughout the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere system.
- Study the response of the upper atmosphere to solar wind, solar radiation, geomagnetic storms, and lower-atmosphere forcing.
- Improve characterization of Total Electron Content (TEC) and Thermospheric Mass Density (TMD) using geodetic observation systems.
- Validate and improve empirical and physics-based space weather models.
- Advance machine-learning and data-assimilation techniques for monitoring and forecasting the upper atmosphere.
- Promote international cooperation and capacity building in Geodetic Space Weather Research.
Scientific Topics
- Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling
- Solar-Terrestrial Interactions
- Geodetic Space Weather Research
- Total Electron Content (TEC)
- Thermospheric Mass Density (TMD)
- Satellite Drag and Orbit Dynamics
- Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (TIDs)
- Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs)
- Geomagnetic Storms and Extreme Space Weather Events
- Machine Learning and Data Assimilation for Space Weather Applications
Current Activities (2025-2026)
- ACS member co-leading the SCOSTEP 5-Year COURSE Programme Focus Area 3 dedicated to understanding solar-terrestrial and atmospheric coupling processes.
- Organization of scientific sessions at the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS) Annual Meeting and the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) Scientific Assembly.
- Editors of the Research Topic Innovative Approaches to Atmospheric Coupling and Geodetic Space Weather Research in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences.
- Development and continuous maintenance of the ACS web platform.
- Expansion of the ACS professional community through scientific networking activities and the ACS LinkedIn group.
- Promotion of educational initiatives including workshops, training schools, and outreach activities on Space Weather and Artificial Intelligence.
January 2024
Details of the Previous Term (2019-2023)
Past Members:
Chair: Andres Calabia
Vice-Chair: Munawar Shah
Research Coordinator: Binod Adhikari
- Christine Amory-Mazaudier, France
- Astrid Maute, USA
- Yury Yasyukevich, Russia
- Gang Lu, USA
- Olawale S. Bolaji, Nigeria
- Emmanuel Abiodun Ariyibi, Nigeria
- Anoruo Chukwuma, Nigeria
- Oluwaseyi Emmanuel Jimoh, Nigeria
- Munawar Shah, Pakistan
- Binod Adhikari, Nepal
- Andres Calabia, Spain
- Piyush M. Mehta, USA
- LiangLiang Yuan, Germany,
- Naomi Maruyama, USA
- Toyese Tunde Ayorinde, Brazil
- Charles Owolabi, Nigeria
- Ayomide Olabode, Nigeria
Reports and Presentations (2019-2023):
- Introduction to MTI system with figures and details concerning the results summarized in the IAG-FA-GSWR-JSG1 mid-term report (Report No. 2/2021). Available at: Mid-term Report (PPT)
- IAG-FA-GSWR-JSG1 2021 Mid-term Report No. 2/2021. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.22234.47048. Available at: Mid-term Report (Text)