SH41F-03
Capabilities of a Global 3D MHD Model for Monitoring Extremely Fast CMEs
Thursday, 17 December 2015: 08:30
2011 (Moscone West)
Simon P Plunkett1, Chin-Chun Wu1, Kan Liou2, Dennis G Socker3, Shi Tsan Wu4 and Y.-M. Wang5, (1)US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States, (2)JHU/Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, MD, United States, (3)Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States, (4)University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, United States, (5)Naval Research Lab DC, Washington, DC, United States
Abstract:
Since the start of the space era, spacecraft have recorded many extremely fast coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which have resulted in severe geomagnetic storms. Accurate and timely forecasting of the space weather effects of these events is important for protecting expensive space assets and astronauts and avoiding communications interruptions. Here, we will introduce a newly developed global, three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model (G3DMHD). The model takes the solar magnetic field maps at 2.5 solar radii (Rs) and intepolates the solar wind plasma and field out to 18 Rs using the algorithm of Wang and Sheeley (1990, JGR). The output is used as the inner boundary condition for a 3D MHD model. The G3DMHD model is capable of simulating (i) extremely fast CME events with propagation speeds faster than 2500 km/s; and (ii) multiple CME events in sequence or simultaneously. We will demonstrate the simulation results (and comparison with in-situ observation) for the fastest CME in record on 23 July 2012, the shortest transit time in March 1976, and the well-known historic Carrington 1859 event.
