Recent research has unveiled a significant and previously overlooked factor in the vulnerability of power grids and other infrastructure to extreme space weather events. Conducted by Fiona Simpson from the School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre University of Southampton, the study highlights how the thickness of tectonic plates and the conductivity of the Earth’s asthenosphere can amplify the effects of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) during magnetic storms.
As solar storms interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere, they can generate electric fields that induce currents in man-made structures, potentially leading to power outages, disruptions in gas pipelines, and failures in railway networks. Traditionally, it has been assumed that regions with higher electrical conductivity are less susceptible to GICs. However, Simpson’s research challenges this notion by demonstrating that in areas where the asthenosphere is more conductive, secondary electromagnetic induction can enhance the magnetic source fields, resulting in more potent electric fields at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary.
Simpson’s analysis of data from significant storms, such as the Halloween storm of 2003 and the September storm of 2017, revealed stark regional differences in electric field magnitudes. For instance, southern Sweden experienced electric fields exceeding 5 V/km during the Halloween storm, five times greater than those recorded in central Scotland. This disparity provides a crucial insight into the storm-related power outage that impacted Sweden while Scotland remained unscathed.
“The implications of our findings are profound for energy infrastructure, particularly in regions with varying lithospheric characteristics,” said Simpson. “Understanding how these factors interact can help in developing more resilient systems against the unpredictable nature of space weather.”
The commercial impacts of this research are significant, particularly for energy companies and grid operators. As the frequency of extreme weather events, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial, continues to rise due to climate change, the energy sector must adapt. Enhanced predictive models that incorporate tectonic and asthenospheric characteristics could lead to better preparedness and infrastructure design, ultimately safeguarding against costly outages and system failures.
Simpson’s work, published in ‘Space Weather,’ sheds light on the intricate relationship between geology and space weather, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in addressing the vulnerabilities of our technological systems. As industries increasingly rely on stable energy supplies, understanding these dynamics will be crucial in shaping future developments in energy resilience and infrastructure planning.
