Preface

I wish to thank my supervisor, professor Ruth Esser at the University of Tromsø, who has given me many useful advices while working with this master thesis. I am very privileged to have had a supervisor who is an expert in this field of space physics. I also want to thank my wife, Anastasia, who has been so patient with me during these months, who has encouraged me to study for this degree of master, and who has convinced me deeply about the importance of higher education. I am infinitely thankful for the positive influence Anastasia has affected me by. Finally, I would like to thank my mom and dad who have always believed in me, and who will now see the result of the work that has kept me so busy in the last months