SWAGE and the Transpolar Potential as Related to Solar Wind Structure During 1998-2005
Abstract
The Hill-Siscoe transpolar potential, which depends on the solar wind, drives the Region-1 currents and plays a major role in space weather predictions. In this work the ACE solar wind data from the period 1998-2005 is used to find the yearly distribution functions for each component of the IMF as well as for solar wind velocity, number density, and pressure. These results average out random fluctuations and reveal the underlying structure of the solar wind. A similar analysis for the Hill-Siscoe transpolar potential was performed for each of the eight years. It was found that the probability the Hill-Siscoe potential exceeds a given value follows a declining exponential.The corresponding characteristic potential values ranged from 13 to 23 kV. This parameter changed from year to year, however, which leads to the concept that a 6-12 month running tabulation of the solar wind data may be useful for space weather prediction puposes in continually updating the probability for higher transpolar potentials (magnetic storms). These results will be presented as part of an overview of the AFRL SWAGE (Solar Wind Acting on the Geophysical Environment) computer model.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010AGUFMSM51A1760R
- Keywords:
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- 2134 INTERPLANETARY PHYSICS / Interplanetary magnetic fields;
- 2415 IONOSPHERE / Equatorial ionosphere;
- 2447 IONOSPHERE / Modeling and forecasting;
- 2736 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS / Magnetosphere/ionosphere interactions