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Global dynamical network of the spatially correlated Pc2 wave response for the 2015 St. Patrick's Day storm
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  • Shahbaz Chaudhry,
  • Sandra C Chapman,
  • Jesper W. Gjerloev,
  • Ciaran D Beggan
Shahbaz Chaudhry
University of Warwick

Corresponding Author:shahbaz.chaudhry@warwick.ac.uk

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Sandra C Chapman
University of Warwick
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Jesper W. Gjerloev
APL-JHU
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Ciaran D Beggan
British Geological Survey
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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.