New Method for Coupling the Potential Field Source Surface and the Schatten Current Sheet Models.

摘要

The Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model describes the magnetic field configuration of the corona and is used, in combination with other models, to predict the global solar wind out past earth days in advance. It is routinely used for both AF and civilian space weather forecasting purposes. WSA is comprised of two coupled models: (1) the Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) model with a domain extending out to several solar radii above the Sun's surface and (2) the Schatten Current Sheet (SCS) model used to project the solution out into the hypersonic interplanetary flow regime some 20 Rs or more above the solar surface. Three major and several minor improvements have been made to the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) coronal model that remedies well known model weaknesses and problems. These changes, described in this final report, significantly improve the model's predictive performance and further enhance its usefulness as a space weather forecast model.