Geoeffectiveness of solar wind interplanetary magnetic structures

Full text
Author(s):	Alves, M. V. ; Echer, E. ; Gonzalez, W. D. Total Authors: 3
Document type:	Journal article
Source:	JOURNAL OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS; v. 73, n. 11-12, p. 5-pg., 2011-07-01.
Abstract
We address the geoeffectiveness of three interplanetary structures in the interplanetary space: magnetic clouds (MCs), interplanetary shocks (IPSs), and corotating interaction regions (CIRs). The geoeffectiveness is evaluated using the geomagnetic indices Kp. AE, and Dst. We find that MCs are more geoeffective than IPSs, or CIRs. The average values of magnetic indices are significantly enhanced during disturbed periods associated with MCs, IPSs and CIRs, compared to the whole interval. The highest effect is noted for MC disturbed periods. Results obtained for the three data sets are used to derive a theoretical (continuous) probability distribution function (PDF) by fitting the histograms representing the percentage of events against the intervals of magnetic index. PDFs allow estimation of the probability of a given level of geomagnetic activity to be reached after the detection, by in situ solar wind observations, of a given interplanetary structure approaching the Earth. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process:	08/06650-9 - Study of geoeffective interplanetary structures during intense geomagnetic storms and substorms
Grantee:	Walter Demetrio Gonzalez Alarcon
Support Opportunities:	Regular Research Grants