RCM-E Simulation of the Storm-Time Inner Magnetosphere and Comparison with Van Allen Probes Observations

Abstract:

Recent progress in ring current simulations has suggested that bursty bulk flows or plasma sheet bubbles that are transported from the tail to the inner magnetosphere play a critical role in the ring current buildup during the storm main phase. We have modeled a series of idealized storm main phases using the Rice Convection Model—Equilibrium (RCM-E) with its boundary conditions adjusted to randomly inject bubbles to a degree approximately consistent with observed statistical properties. We found that the contribution of plasma-sheet bubbles for moderate and intense storms on average accounts for 50%~60% of the ring current energy. In this paper, we will present an RCM-E simulation of the June 1, 2013 storm, with a similar approach to setting up the boundary conditions, and compare the results with the Van Allen Probes observations. We will also investigate the difference in the spatial and temporal development of the ring current distribution between RCM-E simulations with and without bubble injections. Through detailed data-model comparison, we will quantify the agreement and disagreement and discuss how to further improve the ring current simulations with the RCM/RCM-E.