Global dynamical network of the spatially correlated Pc2 wave response
for the 2015 St. Patrick's Day storm
Abstract
We show the global dynamics of spatial cross-correlation of Pc2 wave
activity can track the evolution of the 2015 St. Patrick’s Day
geomagnetic storm for an 8 hour time window around onset. The global
spatially coherent response is tracked by forming a dynamical network
from 1 second data using the full set of 100+ ground-based magnetometer
stations collated by SuperMAG and Intermagnet. The pattern of spatial
coherence is then captured by a few network parameters which in turn
track the evolution of the storm. At onset IMF B_z>0 and
Pc2 power increases, we find a global response with stations being
correlated over both local and global distances. Following onset, whilst
B_z>0, the network response is confined to the day-side.
When IMF B_z<0, there is a strong local response at high
latitudes, consistent with the onset of polar cap convection driven by
day-side reconnection. The spatially coherent response as revealed by
the network grows and is maximal when both SME and SMR peak, consistent
with an active electrojet and ring-current. Throughout the storm there
is a coherent response both in stations located along lines of constant
geomagnetic longitude, between hemispheres, and across magnetic local
time. The network does not simply track the average Pc2 wave power,
however is characterized by network parameters which track the evolution
of the storm. This is a first study to parameterize global Pc2 wave
correlation and offers the possibility of statistical studies across
multiple events to detailed comparison with, and validation of, space
weather models.