An Investigation of Variable Time Interval "K-like" Geomagnetic Indices
Abstract
The 3-hour planetary K index derivative, Kp, is designed to measure irregular fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field due to currents in the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. The index is widely used to drive empirical models of auroral particle precipitation, high-latitude convection patterns, thermospheric composition, and neutral winds. The 3-hour time interval of Kp makes it suitable for use as a parameter in thermospheric models, since the neutral atmosphere changes slowly. However, ionospheric time constants can be quite short, and this makes the 3-hour interval too coarse for accurate modeling. My research examined the feasibility of improving ionospheric modeling via use of a "K-like" index with a variable time interval. We first created an algorithm to create such indices (following the same definitions as used in the traditional 3-hour index), then applied the code to the 1990-1992 raw data set from the Fredericksburg, Virginia, magnetometer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA372302
Entities
People
- Devin J. Della-rose
Organizations
- Utah State University