Model Validation of M‐I Coupling in SWMF
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The accurate modeling of field‐aligned currents (FAC) and electron precipitation is critical for understanding magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling and improving space weather predictions. This study evaluates the performance of the SWMF in replicating observed FAC magnitudes and distributions, as well as electron precipitation during storms and substorms. The version of SWMF used in this study is configured with the Block‐Adaptive‐Tree‐Solarwind‐Roe‐Upwind‐Scheme (BATSRUS), the Rice Convection Model (RCM), the Conductance Model for Extreme Events (CMEE), and OMNI solar wind data. This configuration of the SWMF is ran via the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC). Using AMPERE and DMSP SSJ observations, we employ skill scores and contingency tables to quantify the model's performance on both global and local scales. Overall the model is consistent with observations, but the simulations deviate from the data in some important ways. Our findings reveal that the SWMF consistently underestimates the observed FAC magnitudes by about a factor of 2, highlighting the need for even more improved conductance modeling. On a local scale, the model performs better in regions of sustained Region 1 and Region 2 currents. Additionally, in this configuration, at best, the SWMF Heidke Skill Score (HSS) is 0.583 when predicting electron precipitation flux. These results provide critical insights into current model limitations and lay the groundwork for future improvements in MHD simulations. The methodologies and benchmarks established in this study offer new pathways to enhance our understanding of magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere coupling.
DOI: 10.1029/2025ja034284
Authors: Tre'Shunda James, Alex Glocer
Institution: Goddard Space Flight Center
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,070
OpenAlex ID: W7134195741