How are the three NOAA scales related?
The answer is complicated. The radio blackouts are a result of solar flares, a solar phenomena that has been known for a good 150 years or so. Solar flares are also associated with the radiation storms and can sometimes be followed by a geomagnetic storm a day or so later. However, as have learned more over the years, we have discovered some things that have modified the view: 1. The energetic particles that lead to radiation storms can be accelerated by flares or by interplanetary shocks. Interplanetary shocks occur when the Sun energetically ejects material into space, a phenomena known as a coronal mass ejection. Both types of mechanisms can contribute to energetic particles and consequently, radiation storms. 2. Geomagnetic storms are caused either by the interaction of a coronal mass ejection with the earth or by another solar phenomena called a high-speed stream, emanating from what is called a coronal hole. A coronal mass ejection is sometimes associated with a flare, but not al
