PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF GEOCOSMIC STORM. PART I

Abstract

A review of our knowledge about the coupling of solar-terrestrial processes, about manifestations of geospace storms, and about variations in space weather is presented. Space weather effects are analyzed within the system paradigm concept. The system where geospace storms are occur is a Sun–interplanetary medium–magnetosphere–ionosphere–atmosphere–Earth (interior spheres) (SIMMIAE). Geospace storms that occurred on 2018–2019 is examined in detail. Instrument observations of this storm effects are presented. The investigation of the physical effects of geospace storms is noted to be the most important field of study in space geophysics. The problem of subsystem coupling in the SIMMIAE system during a geospace storm is interdisciplinary in nature. Its solution requires an application of the systems approach. The problem has a multifactor character. The subsystem response is determined by the simultaneous (synergetic) impact of a few disturbing factors. It is important to note that the SIMMIAE system is an open, nonlinear, and nonstationary system. Within this system operate direct coupling and feedback processes, positive and negative linkages. Due to the myriads of manifestations of geospace storms, because of unique nature of each storm, the investigation of physical effects occurring during geospace storms is far from complete. Except for thoroughly investigating the storm physical effects, there is an urgent need to model and forecast the storms adequately and in detail. The solution to these problems will facilitate the survival and steady progress of our civilization relying more and more on new state-of-the-art technology. The more technologically reliant our society is, the more vulnerable the civilization's infrastructure to solar and geospace storm impacts becomes. A classification of geostorms based on Akasofu's epsilon parameter has been advanced. Six types of geostorm have been introduced, and a geostorm index has been suggested. A classification of ionospheric storms and disturbances based on the magnitude of variations in the peak density of the F2 layer has been suggested. Five types of ionospheric storm have been introduced. An ionospheric index characterizing the intensity of negative and positive ionospheric storms has been suggested. A classification of ionospheric storms and disturbances based on the magnitude of variations in the lower-ionosphere electron density has been suggested. Six types of positive ionospheric storm have been introduced. The appropriate ionospheric index has been suggested. The physics-based model of the evolution of each group of ionospheric storms and disturbances has been determined. The linkages among magnetic, ionospheric, and atmospheric storms, as well as electric field disturbances have been shown.