Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Effects Of Different Geomagnetic Storm Drivers On The Ring Current: Crcm Results, W D. Cramer, Niescja E. Turner, M C. Fok, N Y. Buzulukova

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Research

The storm-time magnetic disturbance at the Earth's equator, as commonly measured by the Dst index, is induced by currents in the near-Earth magnetosphere. The ring current is generally considered the most important contributor, but other magnetospheric currents have also been found to have significant effects. Of the two main types of solar geomagnetic storm drivers, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) tend to have a much greater impact on Dst than Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs). Ring current models have been found to underestimate Dst, particularly during storms driven by CIRs. One possible explanation is that the models neglect to handle some aspect …