Space weather (magnetic storms): What causes the initial increase of the Earth’s magnetic field during magnetic storms? Consider solar-wind–magnetosphere interactions and shock compression effects. Choose the correct cause.
General Knowledge
World Geography
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AWhen the shock wave, associated with gusty solar wind, compresses the magnetosphere
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BWhen there is a large decrease in field intensity
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CWhen the gust wind itself engulfs the magnetosphere
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DNone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: When the shock wave, associated with gusty solar wind, compresses the magnetosphere
Explanation
ConceptThe initial phase of a magnetic storm often shows a brief increase in geomagnetic field strength caused by compression of the magnetosphere by interplanetary shocks embedded in the solar wind.