Spontaneous substorms and ordered type of magnetospheric disturbances during the superstorm of November 20, 2003

The interval 0000-1400 UT of the superstorm of November 20, 2003, has been studies based on the ACE/WIND data and the MIT2 magnetogram inversion technique. The distributions of the electric potential and currents, field-aligned currents, and Joule heat in the ionosphere have been calculated. The variable magnetotail length and powers coming into the magnetosphere, ionosphere and ring current have been estimated. The selected superstorm intervals, when it became possible to identify the disturbance mode produced by the interaction between the variable solar wind dynamic pressure and IMF effects, have been described. Spontaneous substorms, two types of driven responses to changes in IMF or in the solar wind dynamic pressure (P _d ), zero events at simultaneous jumps of IMF and P _d , and a previously unknown mode of saturation of the ionospheric electric field at a redistribution of the energy coming into the magnetosphere between the ionosphere and ring current are among the selected modes.     

2003年11月20日磁暴主相期间磁鞘的观测研究

2003年11月20日磁暴主相期间,Cluster卫星正好处在黄昏侧的磁鞘附近.在主相期间磁鞘磁场Bz分量大约为-60 nT,这和ACE卫星观测值基本一致.同时,磁鞘中的离子速度分布对磁鞘中的磁场方向有很强的依赖性.行星际电场Ey在磁鞘中大约是50 mV/m.磁鞘中这些极端的磁场,电场和离子的流动驱动了迄今23个太阳活动周期中最大的磁暴,其Dst指数是-472 nT.Cluster卫星观测发现磁鞘中离子的数密度比较低,这可能是由磁云经过地球时太阳风的低密度造成的.磁鞘中能量范围为1～10 keV的H+,He+和He2+的数密度主要是由磁鞘中太阳风的数密度决定的.同时,对磁鞘中存在大量的1～10 keV氧离子进行了讨论.在极端的南向行星际磁场条件下,磁层顶受到很强的压缩.氧离子可以利用较大的回旋半径,在强压缩的磁层顶和磁鞘对流的共同影响下进入磁鞘.这也表明了磁层对极端行星际条件的一种响应.Cluster卫星在11月20日磁暴事件中的观测研究,对进一步全面认识大磁暴事件有很重要的作用.     

Dynamics of North American sector ionospheric and thermospheric response during the November 2004 superstorm

We present a study of ionospheric and thermospheric response during a November 9–10, 2004 major geomagnetic storm event (DsT ～?300 nT). We utilize the North American sector longitude chain of incoherent scatter radars at Arecibo, Millstone Hill, and Sondrestrom, operating as part of a coordinated international mesosphere/lower thermosphere coupling study experiment. Total electron content (TEC) determinations from global positioning system (GPS) ground receivers, ground magnetometer traces from the Canadian CANOPUS array, Defense Meteorological Satellite Platform (DMSP) topside data, and global convection patterns from the SuperDARN radar network are analyzed to place the detailed radar data in proper mesoscale context. The plasmaspheric boundary layer (PBL) expanded greatly in the dusk sector during ring current intensification to span more than 25° of magnetic latitude, reaching as far south as 30° invariant latitude. Strong sub-auroral polarization stream velocities of more than 1 km/s were accompanied by large upwards thermal O+ fluxes to the overlying magnetosphere. The large PBL expansion subsequently exposed both Millstone Hill and Sondrestrom to the auroral convection pattern, which developed a complex multicell and reverse convection response under strongly northward IMF conditions during a period of global interplanetary electric field penetration. Large traveling atmospheric and ionospheric disturbances caused significant neutral wind and ion velocity surges in the mid-latitude and tropical ionosphere and thermosphere, with substorm activity launching equatorward neutral wind enhancements and subsequent mid-latitude dynamo responses at Millstone Hill. However, ionosphere and thermosphere observations at Arecibo point to significant disturbance propagation modification in the post-dusk sector PBL region.     

Solar-terrestrial storm of November 18–20, 2003. 1. Near-Earth disturbances in the solar wind

The structure, configuration, dynamics, and solar sources of the near-Earth MHD disturbance of the solar wind on November 20, 2003, is considered. The disturbances of October 24 and November 22 after flares from the same AR 10484 (10501) are compared. The velocity field in the leading part of the sporadic disturbance is for the first time studied in the coordinate system stationary relative to the bow shock. A possible scenario of the physical processes in the course of this solar-terrestrial storm is discussed in comparison with the previously developed scenario for the storm of July 15, 2000. It has been indicated that (1) the near-Earth disturbance was observed at the sector boundary (HCS) and in its vicinities and (2) the disturbance MHD structure included: the complicated bow shock, wide boundary layer with reconnecting fields at a transition from the shock to the magnetic cloud, magnetic cloud with a magnetic cavity including packed substance of an active filament, and return shock layer (supposedly). It has been found out that the shock front configuration and the velocity field are reproduced at an identical position of AR and HCS relative to the Earth on November 20 and 24. It has been indicated that the maximal magnetic induction in the cloud satisfied the condition B _m = (8πn ₁ m _p)^1/2(D ? NV₁), i.e., depended on the dynamic impact on the cloud during all three storms [Ivanov et al., 1974]. When the disturbance was related to solar sources, the attention has been paid to the parallelism of the axes of symmetry of the active filament, transient coronal hole, coronal mass ejection, zero line of the open coronal field (HCS), and the axis of the near-Earth magnetic cloud: the regularity previously established in the scenario of the storm of July 15, 2000 [Ivanov et al., 2005]. It has been indicated that the extremely large B _m value in the cloud of October 20 was caused by a strong suppression of the series of postflare shocks reflected from the heliospheric streamer.     

Dynamics of Cosmic-Ray Cutoff Rigidity and Magnetospheric Parameters during Different Phases of the Storm of November 20, 2003

Geomagnetism and Aeronomy - The correlations between variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity of cosmic rays and the Dst and Kp geomagnetic indices and solar-wind and IMF parameters are...     

The November 2004 superstorm: Comparison of low-latitude TEC observations with LLIONS model results

We investigate the effects of penetration electric fields, meridional thermospheric neutral winds, and composition perturbation zones (CPZs) on the distribution of low-latitude plasma during the 7–11 November 2004 geomagnetic superstorm. The impact on low-latitude plasma was assessed using total electron content (TEC) measurements from a latitudinally distributed array of ground-based GPS receivers in South America. Jicamarca Radio Observatory incoherent scatter radar measurements of vertical E×B drift are used in combination with the Low-Latitude IONospheric Sector (LLIONS) model to examine how penetration electric fields and meridional neutral winds shape low-latitude TEC. It is found that superfountain conditions pertain between ～1900 and 2100 UT on 9 November, creating enhanced equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests at ±20° geomagnetic latitude. Large-amplitude and/or long-duration changes in the electric field were found to produce significant changes in EIA plasma density and latitudinal location, with a delay time of ～2–2.5 h. Superfountain drifts were primarily responsible for EIA TEC levels; meridional winds were needed only to create hemispherical crest TEC asymmetries. The [O/N₂] density ratio (derived from the GUVI instrument, flown on the TIMED satellite) and measurements of total atmospheric density (from the GRACE satellites), combined with TEC measurements, yield information regarding a likely CPZ that appeared on 10 November, suppressing TEC for over 16 h.     

Mapping of Geomagnetic Cutoff Rigidity of Cosmic Rays during the Main Phase of the Magnetic Storm of November 20, 2003

Geomagnetism and Aeronomy - In this work, geomagnetic cutoff rigidities are calculated in a model magnetosphere field on the world latitude–longitude 5° × 15° grid during the...     

Variations in the geomagnetic field and auroras during the main phase of a large magnetic storm of November 20, 2003

The substorm characteristics during the main phase of a large magnetic storm of November 20, 2003, are studied based on the data of TV observations of auroras and auroral absorption at Tixie Bay station and at the global network of magnetic stations. The contribution of auroral particles, responsible for the emission of discrete auroras, has been estimated based on an analysis of the spatial-time variations in the auroral luminosity intensity. This contribution accounted for ～40% of the total luminous flux, which is approximately twice as large as was previously observed in substorm disturbances. Responses of the solar wind and IMF parameters in substorms and variations in the magnetic indices, characterizing geomagnetic activity in the northern polar cap and ring current (PCN, ASY-H and SYM-H), have been detected. The spatial-time distribution of the equivalent ionospheric currents has been constructed, and the total value of these currents along the meridian has been determined based on the [Popov et al., 2001] method and using the IMAGE magnetic data. It has been obtained that the maximal total equivalent ionospheric current in the premidnight sector (～2000 MLT) leads the minimal value of the SYM-H index by ～1.5 h.     

Stationary magnetospheric convection on November 24, 1981. 2.Small-scale structures in the dayside cusp/cleft

A case study of the dayside cusp/cleft region during an interval of stationary magnetospheric convection (SMC) on November, 24, 1981 is presented, based on detailed measurements made by the AUREOL-3 satellite. Layered small-scale field-aligned current sheets, or loops, superimposed to a narrow V-shaped ion dispersion structure, were observed just equatorward from the region of the “cusp proper”. The equatorward sheet was accompanied by a very intense and short (less than 1 s) ion intensity spike at 100 eV. No major differences were noted of the characteristics of the LLBL, or “boundary cusp”, and plasma mantle precipitation during this SMC period from those typical of the cusp/cleft region for similar IMF conditions. Simultaneous NOAA-6 and NOAA-7 measurements described in Despirak et al. were used to estimate the average extent of the “cusp proper” (defined by dispersed precipitating ions with the energy flux exceeding 10⁻³ erg cm⁻² s⁻¹) during the SMC period, as ≈0.73∼ ILAT width, 2.6–3.4 h in MLT, and thus the recently merged magnetic flux, 0.54–0.70 × 10⁷ Wb. This, together with the average drift velocity across the cusp at the convection throat, ≈0.5 km s⁻¹, allowed to evaluate the cusp merging contribution to the total cross-polar cap potential difference, ≈33.8–43.8 kV. It amounts to a quite significant part of the total cross-polar cap potential difference evaluated from other data. A “shutter” scenario is suggested for the ion beam injection/penetration through the stagnant plasma region in the outer cusp to explain the pulsating nature of the particle injections in the low- and medium-altitude cusp region.     

2003年10～11月的大磁暴

分析了引起2003年10～11月发生的3个特大磁暴的太阳活动、行星际扰动以及中国东部地磁台链记录到的地面磁场变化。结果表明,这3个特别大的磁暴是由太阳质量抛射事件引起的。太阳向着地球喷发出的大量等离子体引起的强烈太阳风扰动和持续长时间的南向行星际磁场与磁层相互作用形成了特别大的磁暴。ACE卫星、GOES卫星以及地面地磁台站较完整地记录了这3次日地扰动传输过程。对于每一个磁暴,中国东部地磁台链记录到的H分量变化形态一致,纬度最高的满洲里地磁台H幅度最大,而其他台站的幅度与纬度无明显关系,这表明磁暴的发展不完全由赤道环电流引起,在这样强烈的磁暴期间,磁层内的电流体系非常复杂。     

Energetics characteristics of the super magnetic storm on November 20,2003 based on 3D global MHD simulation

The three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic model(PPM-LR MHD)is employed to investigate the energy budget in the solar wind-magnetosphere system during the super magnetic storm on November 20,2003,one of the biggest storms during the last decade with Dst~-500 n T.During this event,about 23%solar wind kinetic energy is transferred into the magnetosphere.The total energy input is estimated to be about 9.50×1017 J,about 14 times of a moderate storm.The energy dissipation via the inner magnetosphere is less than the energy input with the coupling efficiency of~63.3%.The energy dissipated via ring current injection is less than that via high-latitude ionosphere at the initial stage of the super storm.Furthermore,both the simulation results and the empirical results indicate that the ratio of ring current injection to the total energy output increases with the enhancement of the magnetospheric activity level.These are consistent with the statistical results we have got before.The empirical equations underestimate the solar wind kinetic energy,the energy input,and the energy dissipation via high-latitude ionosphere compared with the simulation results;however,the coupling efficiency of the high-latitude ionosphere(23.4%)is close to the simulation result(23.1%)during the entire storm time period.     

2003年11月13日甘肃岷县发生5.2级地震

据中国地震台网测定 ,2 0 0 3年 1 1月 1 3日上午 1 0时 30分在甘肃省岷县境内发生5.2级地震。这是继 1 0月 2 5日张掖民乐6 1级地震之后 ,天灾又一次降临在陇原大地 ,地震造成 1人死亡 ,2 6人受伤 ,其中重伤 6人 ,房屋倒塌 3344间 ,危房 30 52间。另外有 6所学校受到不同程度的破坏。地震发生后 ,当地人民政府迅速启动地震应急救援方案 ,当地市、县、乡领导也迅速赶赴灾区组织救灾工作 ,安慰受灾灾民。据岷县地震局统计 ,受灾最严重的堡子乡、中寨乡共有 2 4人死伤 ,其中堡子乡兹那村死亡 1人 ,伤 1 3人 ;民泉村伤 5人 ,周家村伤 2人 ;哈…     

Strong earthquake activity all over the world and strong moderate earthquake activity within and near China(October,2003 ～November,2003)

Illustration All the data in this catalog are chosen from the Preliminary Seismological Report of Chinese Seismic Stations (abbreviated to Monthly Report). The catalog includes the events of M≥4.7 in and near China and M≥6 all over the world. The Monthly Report is monthly compiled by the Ninth Section of Institute of Geophysics, China Earthquake Administration (CEA).     

Unusual sudden ionospheric disturbance from solar flare of 4 November 2003

An interpretation of the nature of the sudden ionospheric disturbance in terms of response to X-ray flux enhancement in the band 1–20 Å has been made by many authors. Last decades investigations revealed presence of important qualitative distinctions in spatially temporal pattern of geomagnetic response to solar flares featuring harder radiation spectra (with quanta energies above 100 keV). These distinctions can not be adequately described by classical theory implying ionization growing on E and D ionosperic layers and intensification of Sq-current system. In this respect, solar flare on 4 November 2003 characterizing by existence of two separate (time lag ~45 min) spectral maximums in X-rays range (average quantum energy <100 keV) and in γ-rays range (average quantum energy >100 keV), represents convenient proving ground for study of specifics the geomagnetic response to bursts marked by different hardness. In current article, we show that this flare has a number of unusual features including specific variation of accompanying current system and magnetospheric manifestation that is observed in trapped radiation fluxes and magnetic field on geosynchronous orbit. Possible physical mechanism leading to intensification of magnetospheric–ionospheric current system is discussed.     

2003年11月华北地区ML≥3.0地震动态

根据中国地震局分析预报中心提供的资料 ,2 0 0 3年 1 1月华北地区 ( 33 0°～ 4 2 0°N ,1 1 1 0°～ 1 2 5 0°E)共发生ML≥ 3 0地震 3次 (见表 1 ) ,2 5日 1 3时 4 0分洪洞ML5 0地震是本月显著的事件。本月地震频次低于上月。参考 1 992年以来的月平均地震频次 ,1 1月处于偏低水平 ,地震活动月能量释放处于中等状态 ,震中分布在山西洪洞 苏堡断裂、内蒙岱海北缘断裂带的东北部及河北滦县 东亭断裂带附近。表 1　 2 0 0 3年 11月华北地区ML≥ 3 0地震序号发　震　时　刻　　年月日时分秒震中位置φN/°　　　　λE/°震级ML震　…     

Spectrographic analysis of events in cosmic rays in October–November 2003

Based on the multiplied neutron registration with the Magadan neutron monitor, the parameters of the spectrum of variations in the cosmic ray hardness and variation in geomagnetic cutoff rigidity for Forbush decreases and intensity increases, related to registration at a level of solar cosmic ray observation, have been determined using the spectrographic method. Results of an analysis indicate that the spectral index (represented in the power form) increases for Forbush decreases and decreases for increases in CR intensity. In the analyzed cases, geomagnetic cutoff rigidity decreases for intensity increases and Forbush decreases.     

Cluster reveals the magnetospheric cusps

Benoit Lavraud and Peter J Cargill explain the structure of the magnetospheric cusps and their relationship with the solar wind, as revealed by Cluster data.     

Active segment of the 12 November 2003 Mw 5.6 earthquake at Salsipuedes oceanic basin,Gulf of California. Mexico

We analyzed records of eight seismic stations of the autonomous broadband seismograph network of a joint project between Utrecht University (the Netherlands), California Institute of Technology, and Centro de Investigación Científica y de Estudios Superiores de Ensenada (CICESE). These stations recorded the Mw 5.6 earthquake that occurred on 12 November 2003 at Salsipuedes basin in the middle of the Gulf of California 2 km west of the island Angel de la Guarda. This event was located at 29.16º N and 113.37º W, 30 km northeast of Bahia de los Angeles. A foreshock and hundreds of aftershocks were recorded in the 48 hours after its origin time. With the location of 29 earthquakes we identified the active segment, perpendicular to the main transform fault NW–SE of Canal de Ballenas, representing the transtensional boundary between the Pacific and North American plates. The direction of the active fault described is consistent with the normal fault mechanism reported by the National Earthquake Information Center (strike=39º, dip=34º, slip=–44º).From the duration magnitude of 456 aftershocks, we calculated a b-value of 1.14±0.28; furthermore, we calculated a seismic moment of (3.5 ±3.3) X10¹⁷Nm, a source radius of 3.7 ± 2.63 km, and a static stress drop of 3.94 ± 1.15 MPa (39.4 ± 11.5 bar.).     

Dynamics of high-latitude patches and associated small-scale irregularities during the October and November 2003 storms

Observations from a network of specially equipped GPS scintillation receivers in Northern Europe are used to investigate the dynamics of ionospheric plasma during the storm events of 30 October and 20 November 2003. The total electron content (TEC) and scintillation data, combined with ionospheric tomography produced by the multi-instrument data analysis system (MIDAS), reveal strong enhancements and steep gradients in TEC during nighttime under a prevailing negative B_z component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Amplitude and phase scintillation maxima are often co-located with the TEC gradients at the edge of plasma patches, revealing the presence of small-scale irregularities and suggesting association with a tongue of ionization (TOI) convecting in an anti-sunward direction from the American sector across the polar cap. Similarities and differences between the ionospheric response to the two storms are investigated. The 30 October event reveals a quite complex scenario showing two phases of plasma dynamics: the former reflects the expected convection pattern for IMF B_z southward and the latter possibly indicates a sort of TEC plasma stagnation signature of the more complex convection patterns during several positive/negative excursions of IMF B_z.