7–11 Jul 2025
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

Modelling Earth’s magnetic field over the South Atlantic Anomaly region using Swarm satellite and ground-based data

Not scheduled
20m
Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Solomon Mahlangu House

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Speaker

Sanele Lionel Khanyile (South African National Space Agency)

Description

The Earth’s magnetic field plays a critical role in shielding our planet from solar and cosmic radiation,
yet the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region represents a significant weakening of this
protective shield. This research aims to model the temporal and spatial evolution of the SAA
region using the Revised Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis (R-SCHA) technique, providing improved
regional characterization and predictive capabilities. Utilizing satellite data from Swarm,
alongside ground-based observatory records, we aim to refine regional predictions of the SAA’s
extent and intensity. The R-SCHA technique offers an enhanced resolution of localized magnetic
variations, crucial for understanding the anomaly’s underlying geodynamo processes and space
weather impacts. Preliminary results will be presented, showcasing advanced data selection and
processing techniques, which are essential in core field modelling as external field contributions
must be minimized. Additionally, an analysis of all ground-based magnetic station records within
the SAA region will be discussed, to further improve modelling accuracy. These findings are evaluated
through a comparative analysis with the CHAOS-7 global magnetic field model to assess
their accuracy and reliability.

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