Joel Richardson
PhD studentResearch Overview
Magnetospheric dynamics at Earth are primarily driven by coupling between the magnetised solar wind and the magnetospheric magnetic field and plasma. This coupling is highly variable and strongly controlled by the relative orientation of the interplanetary and magnetospheric magnetic fields.Many studies have revealed that the magnetosphere has a non-linear response to solar wind drivers. During periods of enhanced solar wind driving, magnetospheric activity ceases to increase in line with increasing driving conditions, an effect known as “saturation”. No consensus has been reached over the cause. Measurements made by the ESA Cluster spacecraft will be analysed to confirm or discount the non-linear response of the system to interplanetary drivers.
Profile
Before coming to Lancaster, I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA (Hons.) degree in Natural Sciences, specialising in Physics. I then completed my MSc in Fusion Energy at the University of York. My master’s project involved analysing in-situ satellite data to detect the presence of interplanetary shocks. I also worked for a year within the physics outreach team at the University of York, working with academics to develop projects and delivering them to young people and the public.
Current Teaching
I am currently a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, helping with the teaching of undergraduate workshops and laboratory classes, and with the marking of worksheets, for the following modules:- Phys131: Practical Physics 1- Phys133: Oscillations and Waves- Phys222: Electromagnetism- Phys232: Relativity- Phys281: Computer Simulation