Heliospheric three-dimensional global simulation of multiple interacting coronal mass ejections during the Halloween 2003 epoch

Abstract

There were nineteen flare associated coronal mass ejection (CME) events that were reported during the Halloween 2003 epoch from 19 October to 20 November [1]. Ten of these CMEs were associated with class X flares, 8 CMEs were associated with class M flares, and one CME was associated with a class C flare. Using a well-developed hybrid code, HAFv2+3DMHD, the evolution and interactions of 16 out of 19 interplanetary CMEs from 21 October to 17 November 2003 were simulated and investigated. The HAFv2+3DMHD model combines two physical base simulation codes: the Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry code (HAFv2) and a fully three-dimensional, time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic code. We compared simulated solar wind velocity, number density, temperature, and magnetic fields with those observed by the ACE spacecraft. We have demonstrated that our global three-dimensional (3-D) simulation model is capable of simulating the evolution and interaction of multiple CMEs in a realistic and continually changing complicated solar wind structure during uniquely severe space weather conditions at Earth. This study clearly demonstrates that the HAFv2+3DMHD model can be a useful tool for space weather operations.