The specific objectives of the project, to be addressed under three Tasks, are as follows:

Task 1: To maximize the use of magnetic field data in exploring high latitude FAC structures, by single-and multi-spacecraft techniques, pave the way to new FAC products, and introduce quality indicators on the assumptions underlying FAC estimates.

Task 2: To investigate longitudinal gradients in the auroral region, as well as their impact on FAC closure. Swarm is the first mission to provide systematic opportunities for such studies, when the satellites A and C line up with B at auroral latitudes and different local times.

Task 3: To make full use of the Swarm data, together with conjugate ground information and simulations, for a first time simultaneous examination of ionospheric Joule heating on multiple scales - with potential benefits for Space Weather applications.