Numerous empirical and physics-based models are used to study the ionosphere and the magnetosphere; they also play a fundamental role in space weather forecasting. However the accuracy of these models is limited and depends on both the physics relevant to a particular region as well as the model implementation. Two approaches can help to better understand model constraints: comparison between physics-based and empirical models, and comparison between numerical models and ground-based and spacecraft observations.

This session will provide a forum to present and discuss the latest results of model validation and verification. All types of models are welcome, e.g. empirical, fluid, hybrid kinetic, and fully kinetic models. The purpose of this session is to collect various models from Europe and other countries and to give an overview of their capabilities and accuracy.