Following the discussion at the Metric and Validation Session during the GEM 2008 Workshop at Zermatt, the GGCM Metrics and Validation Focus Group is organizing Modeling Challenge focusing on the inner magnetospheric dynamics and ground magnetic field perturbations. Four events have been chosen:
Event 1: October 29th, 2003 06:00 UT - October 30th, 06:00 UT
Event 2: December 14, 2006 12:00 UT - December 16, 00:00 UT
Event 3: August 31, 2001 00:00 UT - September 1, 00:00 UT
Event 4: August 31, 2005 10:00 UT - September 1, 12:00 UT
The challenge involves the following model/data comparisons (metrics studies):
Metrics 1: Magnetic field at geosynchronous orbit (GOES)
Metrics 2: Magnetopause crossings by geosynchronous satellite (GOES and LANL)
Metrics 3: Plasma density/temperature at geosynchronous orbit (LANL)
Metrics 4: Ground magnetic field perturbations (ground based magnetometers)
Uploading the model results for one event simulated using certain model settings can be done in one submission. For each simulated event the modelers are invited to submit simulation results for one or more metrics studies which can be selected during the submission procedure. For example, if your model calculates only magnetopause crossings or only ground magnetic field perturbations, you can still participate.
Multiple submissions from the same participant for the same event and the same model but different model settings (e.g., for different model versions, different simulation grids, different ionosphere conductance models, different coupling options with inner magnetosphere, etc.) are possible. This will allow us to demonstrate what can be done in near-real-time and in a more science-grade production, as well as to demonstrate the effect of model coupling.
Challenge participants are encouraged to submit the model ouput along all available geosynchronous trajectories for each event. Submissions along a subset of trajectories are also welcome.
The CCMC will perform the model/data comparison for submitted simulation output.
Michelle Thomsen has volunteered to assist in preparation of geosynchronous timelines for comparison. The information on geosynchronous satellite trajectories availability, GOES Magnetometer data availablilty, and Michelle Thomsen's comments on the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer data quality and availability can be found HERE.
Click HERE to view/download, satellite trajectories downloaded from SSCweb (http://sscweb.gsfc.nasscweb.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/sscweb/Locator.cgi) and CDAweb (http://cdaweb.gsfc.nasa.gov/istp_publicb)
List of ground stations to be used for the ground magnetic field perturbations metrics (metrics 4) can be found HERE.
File formats for model output for each metrics can be found HERE. One minute output frequency is requested (other output cadences will be accepted).
The first results of the Challenge will be discussed at the GEM mini-workshop at the Fall AGU. Using the experience of these preliminary metrics studies we will discuss what modifications to the challenge procedure should be made and whether we should modify the list of events selected for the comparison.
To participate in this first round of the Challenge please submit your model results using CCMC's on-line submission interface prior to November 15, 2008.
