Space Weather: Low-Latitude Signatures of Substorm Processes

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators will study the relationship between Pi2 waves detected by ground-based magnetometers and magnetospheric substorm occurrence. Pi2 waves are routinely detected by ground magnetometers located at low- to mid-latitudes and their general association with substorms is well recognized. However, further analysis of Pi2 waves is required in order to make the phenomenon a more reliable tool for space weather specification and prediction. Physical parameters of Pi2 waves observed at multiple stations can be used to monitor the spatial and temporal development of substorms during the expansion and recovery phases. The investigators will quantitatively evaluate the capability of the Pi2 waves for monitoring substorm activity. They will use auroral images from the Polar satellite to identify the time and location of substorm onsets to compare with Pi2 waves detected on the ground. The results will lead to a better understanding of substorms and to the development of a technique to remotely sense the time and location of substorms.