Estimating the open magnetic flux from the interplanetary and ionospheric conditions

Abstract

The open magnetic flux (FPC) is a key parameter to study magnetospheric dynamical process, which is closely related to magnetic reconnections in the dayside magnetopause and magnetotail. Using global MHD simulations, we find that the open magnetic flux FPC can be estimated through a combined parameter f by FPC=0.89f/(f+0.20)+0.52, where the parameter f=vSWBSnSW1/5ΣP1/3 is a function of the solar wind velocity (vSW), the solar wind number density (nSW), the southern interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength (BS), and the ionospheric Pederson conductance (ΣP). The comparison with the limited observational FPCdata available in the literature shows its promise in estimating the open magnetic flux from the interplanetary and ionospheric conditions. The open magnetic flux (FPC) may be served as a key space weather forecast element in the future. Key Points Estimate open magnetic flux from interplanetary and ionospheric conditions.A combined parameter is found to estimate the open magnetic flux.The model results are confirmed by the observations. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.