Tsallis statistics and magnetospheric self-organization

• Published in: Physica A Vol. 391; no. 11; pp. 3069 - 3080
• Main Authors: Pavlos, G.P., Karakatsanis, L.P., Xenakis, M.N., Sarafopoulos, D., Pavlos, E.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Intermittent turbulence; Low dimensional chaos; Magnetosphere; Non-equilibrium phase transition; Self-organized criticality; Superstorm; Tsallis non-extensive statistics; Intermittent turbulence; Tsallis non-extensive statistics; Self-organized criticality; Low dimensional chaos; Superstorm; Non-equilibrium phase transition; Magnetosphere
• ISSN: 0378-4371; 1873-2119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2012.01.033

In this study we use Tsallis non-extensive statistics for a new understanding the magnetospheric dynamics and the magnetospheric self-organization during quiet and intensive superstorm periods. The qsens, qstat, and qrel indices set known as the Tsallis q-triplet was estimated during both quiet and strongly active periods, as well as the correlation dimensions and Lyapunov exponents spectrum for magnetospheric bulk plasma flows data. The results obtained by our analysis clearly indicate the magnetospheric phase transition process from a high-dimensional quiet SOC state to a low-dimensional global chaotic state when superstorm events are developed. During such a phase transition process the non-extensive statistical character of the magnetospheric plasma is strengthened as the values of the q-triplet indices changes obtaining higher values than their values during the quiet periods. ► We use Tsallis non-extensive statistics for a deeper understanding of magnetospheric self-organization. ► The qsens, qstat, and qrel index set known as the Tsallis q-triplet was estimated during quiet and strong activity periods. ► The results obtained by our analysis indicate clearly the magnetospheric phase transition process. ► During the phase transition process the non-extensive statistical character of the magnetospheric plasma is strengthened.