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An interpretable machine learning method for forecasting the SYM-H Index
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  • Daniel Iong,
  • Yang Chen,
  • Gabor Toth,
  • Shasha Zou,
  • Tuija I. Pulkkinen,
  • Jiaen Ren,
  • Enrico Camporeale,
  • Tamas I. I. Gombosi
Daniel Iong
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Yang Chen
University of Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Michigan
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Gabor Toth
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Shasha Zou
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Tuija I. Pulkkinen
University of Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Michigan
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Jiaen Ren
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
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Enrico Camporeale
University of Colorado, University of Colorado, University of Colorado
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Tamas I. I. Gombosi
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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Abstract

In this work, we develop gradient boosting machines (GBMs) for forecasting the SYM-H index multiple hours ahead using different combinations of solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) parameters, derived parameters, and past SYM-H values. Using Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) values to quantify the contributions from each input to predictions of the SYM-H index from GBMs, we show that our predictions are consistent with physical understanding while also providing insight into the complex relationship between the solar wind and Earth’s ring current. We also perform a direct comparison between GBMs and neural networks presented in prior publications for forecasting the SYM-H index by training, validating, and testing them on the same data. We find that the GBMs have a comparable root mean squared error as the best published black-box neural network schemes and GBMs have better Heidke Skill Scores at predicting strong storms.