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Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2015

Abstract

(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae and/or non-USASCII text omitted) We examine particularly intense substorms (SML ...-2500 nT), hereafter called "supersubstorms" or SSS events, to identify their nature and their magnetic storm dependences. It is found that these intense substorms are typically isolated events and are only loosely related to magnetic storms. SSS events can occur during super (Dst ...-250 nT) and intense (-100 nT ... Dst > -250) magnetic storms. SSS events can also occur during nonstorm (Dst ... -50 nT) intervals. SSSs are important because the strongest ionospheric currents will flow during these events, potentially causing power outages on Earth. Several SSS examples are shown. SSS events appear to be externally triggered by small regions of very high density (~30 to 50 cm-3) solar wind plasma parcels (PPs) impinging upon the magnetosphere. Precursor southward interplanetary magnetic fields are detected prior to the PPs hitting the magnetosphere. Our hypothesis is that these southward fields input energy into the magnetosphere/magnetotail and the PPs trigger the release of the stored energy.

Details

Title
Extremely intense (SML ...-2500 nT) substorms: isolated events that are externally triggered?
Author
Tsurutani, B T; Hajra, R; Echer, E; Gjerloev, J W
First page
519
Publication year
2015
Publication date
2015
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
ISSN
0992-7689
e-ISSN
14320576
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
1687152026
Copyright
Copyright Copernicus GmbH 2015