Global Empirical Studies of Geospace Storm-Induced Disturbance Neutral Winds in the F Region

George Mason University, Fairfax VA

Investigators

Abstract

Using ground-based data from the Coupling Energetics and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) database, and satellite data from a variety of sources (including the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) and Dynamics Explorer satellites), a global empirical model of thermospheric winds during magnetic storm periods is developed. The model will elucidate the spatial, seasonal, solar activity, and geomagnetic activity dependencies of storm-induced perturbation winds. The product is to be integrated into the commonly used Horizontal Wind Model (HWM), for direct use by the entire community. This model will improve the specification and forecasting capabilities of current numerical models of the thermosphere and ionosphere by provision of a known time-boundary condition.