Initial Results From Coupling Magnetosphere, Inner Magnetosphere, Ionosphere, and Thermosphere Models

The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling (CISM) is working on developing a comprehensive geospace model. The core of this models is composed of three components. The interaction between the magnetosphere and a solar wind is simulated by the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetospheric (LFM) model. The inner magnetosphere is simulated by the Rice Convection Model (RCM). Response of the ionosphere-thermosphere system to magnetospheric driving is simulated by the Thermosphere Ionosphere Nested Grid (TING) Model. We begin with a brief discussion of these three models are coupled together. In the current configuration, the LFM acts and as an intermediary between the other geospace models. It determines the particle fluxes and electric field inputs to the TING model by using its inner magnetospheric state as modified by the Rice convection model. The LFM also supplies magnetic field and plasma information to the RCM. The RCM also needs ionospheric conductivity information which as passed to it from TING via the LFM. Next, we'll compare results from the individual models to results from the coupled model for an interval of steady southward IMF that includes a magnetospheric substorm. Finally, we'll address the need for measurements throughout the system to quantify the accuracy of the coupled model.