The South American K Index: Initial Steps from the Embrace Magnetometer Network

Abstract

In the present paper we present the first steps given towards the development of the South American K index (Ksa) based on the measurement made by the Embrace Magnetometer Network. We present: (a) a description of the magnetometer and of the network; (b) the procedure used to calibrate the network equipments; (c) the procedure to obtain each station K scale and its corresponding upper limits of ranges for the three-hour-range station K indices (thereafter referred as K9 threshold); and (d) some particularities regarding the Quiet Day Curve (QDC) deviation and its long term variation.