Space Weather: Investigation of Intense Growth Phase Events of Substorms Using Multiple Observations

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will study intense substorm growth phase events using multiple observations. Some intense growth phase events do not lead to well-defined substorms, suggesting a different kind of energy release mechanism. Intense growth phase events will be identified from a database containing solar wind data, auroral imaging data, particle precipitation measurements, and ground-based magnetometer and radar observations. The data will be studied to determine criteria for predicting strong growth phase events. The observations collectively will allow the investigators to identify the cause of intense growth phase events and understand why some do not develop into strong clear substorms. Because strong growth phase events are often assumed to be precursors to strong substorms, this study will help eliminate false alarms in the prediction of space weather effects on technological systems such as communications and power lines.