Geomagnetically Induced Currents from the Sun to the Power Grid

An introduction to geomagnetic storms and the hazards they pose at the Earth’s surface 

Geomagnetic storms are a type of space weather event that can create Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) which, once they reach Earth’s surface, can interfere with power grids and transport infrastructure. Understanding the characteristics and impacts of GICs requires scientific insights from solar physics, magnetospheric physics, aeronomy, and ionospheric physics, as well as geophysics and power engineering.

Geomagnetically Induced Currents from the Sun to the Power Grid is a practical introduction for researchers and practitioners that provides tools and techniques from across these disciplines.  

Volume highlights include:

• Analysis of causes of geomagnetic storms that create GICs
• Data and methods used to analyze and forecast GIC hazard
• GIC impacts on the infrastructure of the bulk power system
• Analysis techniques used in different areas of GIC research
• New methods to validate and predict GICs in transmission systems

Jennifer L. Gannon, Computational Physics, Inc., USA

Andrei Swidinsky, Colorado School of Mines, USA

Zhonghua Xu, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA

Contributors vii

Preface ix

Part I: Space Weather

1. An Introduction to Geomagnetically Induced Currents 3
Chigomezyo M. Ngwira and Antti A. Pulkkinen

2. Interpolating Geomagnetic Observations: Techniques and Comparisons 15
E. Joshua Rigler, Robyn A. D. Fiori, Antti A. Pulkkinen, Michael Wiltberger, and Christopher Balch

3. Magnetohydrodynamic Models of B and Their Use in GIC Estimates 43
Daniel Welling

4. Empirical Modeling of the Geomagnetic Field for GIC Predictions 67
D. R. Weimer

5. Geoelectric Field Generation by Field‐Aligned Currents 79
J. R. Woodroffe

Part II: Geomagnetic Induction

6. Empirical Estimation of Natural Geoelectric Hazards 95
Jeffrey J. Love, Paul A. Bedrosian, Anna Kelbert, and Greg M. Lucas

7. The Magnetotelluric Method and Its Application to Understanding Geomagnetically Induced Currents 107
Esteban Bowles‐Martinez and Adam Schultz

8. The First 3D Conductivity Model of the Contiguous United States: Reflections on Geologic Structure and Application to Induction Hazards 127
Anna Kelbert, Paul A. Bedrosian, and Benjamin S. Murphy

9. A Data‐Driven Approach to Estimating Geoelectric Fields: Comparison, Validation, and Discussion of Geomagnetic Hazard Assessment Within Common Physiographic Zones 153
Stephen W. Cuttler

Part III: Power System Impacts

10. An Overview of Modeling Geomagnetic Disturbances in Power Systems 175
Komal S. Shetye and Thomas J. Overbye

11. Geomagnetically Induced Currents from Extreme Space Weather Events 195
L. M. Winter

12. The Challenge Posed by Space Weather to Electric Power Reliability: Evidence from the New York Electric Power Grid 205
Kevin F. Forbes and O. C. St. Cyr

13. Mitigating Power System Response to GICs in Known Networks 219
Maryam Kazerooni and Thomas J. Overbye

Index 233

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