The solar cycle, geology, and geoelectric hazards for power grids
October 16, 2024
When sunspots are large and numerous, intense magnetic storms are likely to occur on the Earth. Magnetic storms can generate electric fields in the Earth, and these fields can, in turn, interfere with electric power transmission grids that are grounded at the Earth’s surface. Across the contiguous United States, geoelectric hazards are highest in the Upper Midwest and in the East. These regions correspond to geological structures that are electrically resistive, and they have, historically, experienced the most interference to electric power systems.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2024 |
---|---|
Title | The solar cycle, geology, and geoelectric hazards for power grids |
DOI | 10.3133/fs20243036 |
Authors | Jeffrey J. Love, Steven Sobieszczyk, E. Joshua Rigler, Anna Kelbert, Kristen A. Lewis |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Fact Sheet |
Series Number | 2024-3036 |
Index ID | fs20243036 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Geologic Hazards Science Center - Seismology / Geomagnetism |
Related
Jeffrey J. Love
Research Geophysicist/ USGS Advisor for Geomagnetic Research
Research Geophysicist/ USGS Advisor for Geomagnetic Research
Email
Phone
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Media Lead - Natural Hazards
Media Lead - Natural Hazards
Public Information Officer
Public Information Officer
Email
Phone
Anna Kelbert, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Research Geophysicist
Research Geophysicist
Kristen Lewis, PhD
Supervisory Geophysicist/USGS Geomagnetism Program Group Leader
Supervisory Geophysicist/USGS Geomagnetism Program Group Leader
Email
Phone
Related
Jeffrey J. Love
Research Geophysicist/ USGS Advisor for Geomagnetic Research
Research Geophysicist/ USGS Advisor for Geomagnetic Research
Email
Phone
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Media Lead - Natural Hazards
Media Lead - Natural Hazards
Public Information Officer
Public Information Officer
Email
Phone
Anna Kelbert, Ph.D. (Former Employee)
Research Geophysicist
Research Geophysicist
Kristen Lewis, PhD
Supervisory Geophysicist/USGS Geomagnetism Program Group Leader
Supervisory Geophysicist/USGS Geomagnetism Program Group Leader
Email
Phone