Statistical studies of geomagnetic storms with peak Dst≤−50 nT from 1957 to 2008

• Published in: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics Vol. 73; no. 11; pp. 1454 - 1459
• Main Authors: Echer, E., Gonzalez, W.D., Tsurutani, B.T.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Geomagnetic storms; Magnetosphere; Physics of the ionosphere; Physics of the magnetosphere; Ring current; Space weather; Space weather; Geomagnetic storms; Ring current; Magnetosphere; Maximum solar activity; probability; Geomagnetic variations; Statistical study; magnetosphere; annual variations; Intensity distribution; Astronomical catalogues; solar cycles; seasonal variations; storms
• ISSN: 1364-6826; 1879-1824
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2011.04.021

A catalog of 1377 geomagnetic storms with peak Dst ( Dst p )≤−50 nT for the period 1957–2008 has been compiled. The dependence of Dst p on the solar cycle and annual variation are studied in this paper. It is found that geomagnetic storm peak intensity distribution can be described by an exponential form, P ( D s t p ) ≈ 1.2 e − D s t p / 34 , where P is the probability of geomagnetic storm occurrence with a given value Dst p . The updated solar cycle and annual distribution of geomagnetic storms have confirmed the expected behavior. For the solar cycle variation, geomagnetic storms display a two-peak distribution, with one peak close to solar maximum and the other a few years later in the beginning of the declining phase. Geomagnetic storms follow the well-known seasonal variation of geomagnetic activity. More intense storms show a peak in probability occurrence in July, confirming previous observations. These results are of practical importance for space weather applications. ► A catalog of 1377 geomagnetic storms ( Dst ≤−50 nT) for the period 1957–2008 was compiled. ► It is found that geomagnetic storm distribution can be described by an exponential form. ► Geomagnetic storms display a two-peak distribution with the solar cycle. ► Geomagnetic storms follow the well-known seasonal variation of geomagnetic activity. ► More intense storms show a peak in probability occurrence in July.