Utilizing Mutual Information Theory to Analyze Nonlinear Relationships in Global Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation of Saturn

Global magnetohydrodynamic simulations, such as the Grid Agnostic MHD for Extended Research Applications (GAMERA) model, allow for a large instantaneous sample rate of data within any modeled magnetosphere. This is crucial to investigate large plasma structures and is heavily utilized in this investigation of a GAMERA global MHD simulation of Saturn's Magnetosphere. The simulation analyzed utilizes an Enceludus mass loading source. Using a network of data collection bins placed within an equatorial slice of Saturn's middle and outer magnetosphere (approximately 10-78 Rs on the tailside region and 10-30 Rs on the dayside, dusk, and dawn regions), this analysis finds nonlinear relationships between flux tube integrated quantities (e.g., mass and entropy) throughout a 60 hour time interval. This is accomplished using mutual information theory and has led to the identification of driving structures within the Kronian magnetosphere. These structures can be tracked as they develop over time and be proven to cause specific plasma structures at a later time. This is done by utilizing mutual information, specifically transfer entropy, to show causality between two regions. An additional outcome of this methodology is the ability to find distinct non-rotational periodicities (~10.7 hours) of plasma structure within Saturn's magnetosphere on the order of 1 hour up to 20 hours. As more periodicities are identified and linked to plasma structures, we will be able to better understand magnetospheric dynamics.