Evaluation of Interplanetary Magnetic Field Tracing Models Using Impulsive SEPS

Current Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) models are evaluated in this study to determine which model(s) perform an accurate representation of this magnetic structure. These IMF models include the Parker Spiral model, the Potential Field Source Surface (PFSS) model, the Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model and the ENLIL model. Impulsive Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) are used as tracers to determine the magnetic structure of the IMF and provide source locations for model comparisons. Each individual model is analyzed, compared to the identified solar source region and a longitude/latitude offset of these traces assigned. The model connection of the PFSS and Parker models is found to provide the lowest latitude and longitude offsets from the identified source regions with RMS values of 21.9 and 18.5 respectfully. Model discrepancies are investigated and suggestions are made to improve model tracing performance.