University of Michigan MHD results of the Geospace Global Circulation Model metrics challenge

[1] We present University of Michigan MHD code results of the ‘‘metrics challenge.’’ We have simulated the magnetospheric and ionospheric configuration during the 16–17 April 1999 CME, the 10–11 December 1998 time period, and the 5–6 November 1998 time period. The simulation results were compared to the DMSP cross-track velocities, and the RMS differences were examined. We have found that the code reproduces the DMSP data quite accurately except for the sharpness of the gradients and the transients which were observed. The cross polar cap potential was well matched, as was the location of the convection reversal boundary. In addition, the code reproduced features of statistical models of the ionospheric electric potential.