MHD Simulation
The above is a global MHD simulation of the March 24, 1991 interplanetary
shock interaction with the magnetosphere. Top panel shows the shock
approaching in the afternoon sector, with pressure color coded in the
equatorial plane, and open (red), closed (white) and solar wind (yellow)
magnetic field lines indicated. Bottom panel shows that the
magnetopause has been compressed inside geosynchronous orbit
(black circle), and enhanced reconnection has greatly opened up
the polar cap (more red field lines). Courtesy of Dr. John Lyon,
Dartmouth Collge.
MHD fields from John Lyon's 3D code simulating the March 24, 1991 geomagnetic
storm sudden commencement are used to push particles in a new simulation
of radiation belt formation during that event.
Please see Li et al., GRL, 20, 2423, 1993 for additional details.
Yeukkei Cheung
Wed Aug 23 18:44:39 EDT 1995