Dynamical Complexity of the 2015 St. Patrick's Day Magnetic Storm at Swarm Altitudes Using Entropy Measures

Area of Science:

• Space Physics
• Geophysics
• Information Theory

Background:

• The solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system exhibits complex dynamics.
• Nonlinear time series analysis is crucial for understanding this system's behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply novel entropy methods to analyze the dynamical complexity of the Earth's magnetic field.
• To quantitatively study the topside ionosphere's response during intense space weather events.
• To explore the utility of information theory-based approaches for low-Earth orbit satellite data.

Main Methods:

• Application of a series of entropy methods from information theory.
• Analysis of time series data from the Swarm satellite constellation.
• Focus on the St. Patrick's Day storm (March 2015), the most intense of solar cycle 24.

Main Results:

• Successful application of entropy measures to quantify dynamical complexity in the topside ionosphere.
• Demonstration of these methods on low-Earth orbit satellite data for the first time.
• Detailed analysis of the ionosphere's response during a major geomagnetic storm.

Conclusions:

• Entropy methods provide a powerful tool for studying complex space weather phenomena.
• These techniques offer potential for enhanced space weather nowcasting and forecasting.
• The study highlights the value of advanced data analysis for understanding the space environment.