Polar wind density variations during storms

Abstract

A time-dependent model of the 3-D polar wind was used to study the transient polar wind perturbations associated with an idealized geomagnetic storm. The model covers the altitude range from 100 to 9000 km and latitudes greater than 50° North. The model takes account of electrons and six ion species (NO +, O 2 +, N 2 +, N +, O +, and H +). Simulations were conducted for summer and winter conditions at both solar maximum and minimum. The polar wind response to a geomagnetic storm was found to be complex, with the variations at high altitudes differing from those at low altitudes. The polar wind response was also significantly different for different seasonal and solar cycle conditions.