SWP Space Weather Indices, Instruments & Observation Systems

Question 1

The Kp index is derived from:

Accepted Answer

K-indices from 13 sub-auroral magnetometer stations worldwide, averaged using a specific weighting scheme

Answer

The global Kp index is a 3-hourly quasi-logarithmic index computed from K-indices measured at 13 specific magnetometer stations at sub-auroral latitudes, providing a global measure of geomagnetic activity.

Question 2

The GOES X-ray Sensor (XRS) monitors solar X-rays in which two channels used to classify flares?

Accepted Answer

0.1–0.8 nm (long) and 0.05–0.4 nm (short)

Answer

GOES XRS measures the 0.1–0.8 nm (long channel) and 0.05–0.4 nm (short channel) bands; the long channel peak flux defines the flare classification (A, B, C, M, X).

Question 3

The Dst (Disturbance storm time) index measures:

Accepted Answer

The ring current intensity via depression of the horizontal geomagnetic field at low-latitude stations

Answer

Dst averages the horizontal component (H) deviation at four near-equatorial magnetometer stations; the ring current's magnetic field partially cancels Earth's field, depressing H proportionally to ring current energy.

Question 4

The AE (Auroral Electrojet) index is primarily used to characterize:

Accepted Answer

Substorm-associated auroral zone electrojet activity using AU and AL envelopes

Answer

AE is derived from AU (upper envelope, eastward electrojet) and AL (lower envelope, westward electrojet) measured at high-latitude auroral zone magnetometers, quantifying substorm intensity.

Question 5

The F10.7 cm solar flux index is used in space weather because it:

Accepted Answer

Is a reliable proxy for solar EUV output and solar activity, measurable from the ground regardless of weather

Answer

The 10.7 cm radio emission from the Sun correlates well with EUV flux that drives ionospheric and thermospheric variability, and uniquely can be measured continuously from the ground through clouds.

SWP - Space Weather Professional Certification Exam Practice Test

SWP - Space Weather Professional Certification Exam Practice Test

SWP Space Weather Indices, Instruments & Observation Systems