The effect of Solar wind and plasma parameters on strength of the Geomagnetic Storm - An Event Wise Study.

Abstract:

In the present analysis we have studied 21 isolated geomagnetic storms(GMS’s) which have resulted from isolated Halo CME’s occurred during the period 1996-2014.We have studied the solar wind and plasma parameters and their effect on the strength of these GMS’s represented by the Dst index.

All the 21 events are analysed individually to study the effect of parameters such as Solar wind speed, Proton density, Proton temperature and the south ward component of the interplanetary magnetic field (Bz) on the strength of the storm. It is inferred that these parameters play a crucial role in producing the GMS and also in the strength of the resultant storm, but no strong overall correlation is found between any of the parameters and the strength of the storm. However a continuous southward Bz during the main phase of the storm is seen to intensify the storm strength.