Our group -- Who are we?
The working group on VLF/ELF Remote Sensing of the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere
(VERSIM) is an international group of scientists interested in studying the behaviour
of the magnetosphere and ionosphere by means of ELF (300 Hz - 3 kHz) and VLF (3-30 kHz)
radio waves, both naturally and artificially generated.
The group was set up in 1975 by IAGA
(International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy) and
URSI (International Union of Radio Science),
as described in the working group history. Originally the emphasis was on probing of the
magnetosphere by whistlers, but later the scope became somewhat broader.
The group aims to promote research in this field by facilitating the exchange of ideas,
information and experience between active research workers and other interested scientists.
This is done through regular meetings at IAGA and URSI Assemblies, a regular VERSIM community
workshop, and via the circulation of a newsletter. The group has also been active in sponsoring
scientific symposia at IAGA and URSI Assemblies, in areas relevant to its field of interest,
and in coordinating observational campaigns.
At present the main subjects of interest include Plasma structures and boundaries -
morphology and dynamics, Wave-particle and wave-wave interactions, Wave-induced particle
precipitation, Wave propagation in magnetosphere and ionosphere, Sprites and the effects of
lightning on the ionosphere.
There are currently over 100 scientists from about 26 different countries on the
VERSIM mailing list.