ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SUDDEN COMMENCEMENT OF GEOMAGNETIC STORMS

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1964 · Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ069i001p00139· OSTI ID:4115936

Stegelmann, E J; von Kenschitzki, C H

The propagation and geometric attenuation of hydromagnetic waves in the geomagnetic field are calculated by the methods of geometrical optics. The waves are assumed to be generated by point sources located at a distance of 6 earth radii from the center of the earth. It is shown that the ray tracing method candnot be used to explain the rise time of sudden commencements of geomagnetic storms. However, the calculated propagation times of hydromagnetic disturbances can give an understanding of delay times and latitude dependence of arrival times. If extended sources are considered, the following conclusion results from the analysis: According to geometric optics, hydromagnetic disturbances of the fast mode produced at 6 earth radii by the interaction of a solar plasma front with the earth's magnetosphere will reach the earth only if they are produced in a region within a radius of a few thousand kilometers of the subsolar point. (auth)

• Research Organization: Lockheed-California Co., Burbank
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-007603
• OSTI ID: 4115936
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 69; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ABSORPTION
BEAMS
CONFIGURATION
EARTH
EQUATIONS
INTERACTIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MOTION
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICS
PLASMA
SHOCK WAVES
SUN
TURBULENCE
VARIATIONS