Understanding thermospheric neutral density response during geomagnetic storms

This thesis will investigate the atmospheric density response during geomagnetic storms, focusing on how to best model the thermosphere during these time periods. First we will quantify the overall performance of the Jacchia 70, NRLMSIS, and JB2008 models, and highlight the differences which affect their effectiveness during storm times. Secondly, we will investigate if the Dst index or the Volland-Stern electric field energy (Evs) provides a better representation of thermospheric variability during storms. Finally, we will make observations of the similarities and differences in atmospheric response produced by coronal mass ejections and co-rotating interaction regions (CIR's) associated with coronal holes; specifically, if the atmospheric response during these events is modeled more closely by Dst or Evs.