Open AccessValidation of SWMF magnetic field and plasma
Author(s) -
Welling D. T.,
Ridley A. J.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
space weather
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.254
H-Index - 56
ISSN - 1542-7390
DOI - 10.1029/2009sw000494
Subject(s) - computational physics , space weather , plasma , magnetic field , magnetosphere , physics , geosynchronous orbit , ionosphere , satellite , environmental science , geophysics , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics , astronomy
The Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF), using the coupled BATSRUS model, the Rice Convection Model, and an ionosphere electrodynamics solver, is used to simulate 10 space weather events. The simulations are completed in near real time using a limited amount of computational resources. Satellite‐specific magnetic field, plasma energy‐density spectra, and integrated particle density and temperature are compared against in situ measurements to validate the coupled system. Results are examined both qualitatively and quantitatively to assess model performance. The results show that the system is adept at reproducing large‐scale magnetic field variations and predicts plasma temperature and density at values near to the measured mean. Smaller‐scale features, such as dipolarizations of the magnetic field at geosynchronous locations, are not reproduced well. Lack of cold particle sources in the inner magnetosphere causes the particle results to suffer. This work is part of a larger effort to thoroughly validate the SWMF.