Coupled-Model Numerical Simulation of Ground Magnetic Fields during the Total Solar Eclipse of 22 July 2009
Saeki, Y., Minamoto, Y., Fujita, S. & Nagamachi, S.
Abstract
It has been uncertain whether geomagnetic variations are associated with solar eclipses. The uncertainty may be derived from the lack of a reliable numerical model for yielding geomagnetic signatures associated with localized and temporary decreases in ionospheric conductivities occurring during a solar eclipse. We used a newly developed coupled numerical model (Atmospheric Global Circulation model coupled with an ionospheric dynamo model and an ionospheric plasma circulation model) to conduct numerical studies of geomagnetic signatures during the 2009 total solar eclipse. The simulation successfully reproduced the geomagnetic Z-component variations observed at Kanoya Geomagnetic Observatory (KNY). It is noteworthy that this is the first work in the world to use a realistic numerical model to confirm definite geomagnetic variations caused by a solar eclipse.
Translated to English from paper in Japanese, originally published in: Technical Report of the Kakioka Magnetic Obsevatory, Vol.8, No.1,2, 11-18, 2011 with permission of the authors.
