After nearly two decades of data collection, the first-ever nationwide survey of Earth’s electrical conductivity is available. The United States Magnetotelluric Array provides essential geophysical information about the electrical structure of the Earth which will aid in hazard assessments such as those that address the impacts of geomagnetic storms and space weather on electric power grids.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, NASA, the EarthScope consortium, Oregon State University, and others, completed the work, which can also help support mineral and geothermal resource assessments.
Geoelectric field models comprising USMTArray data and real-time geomagnetic field data provided by the USGS Geomagnetism Program show the current conditions of Earth’s electric field (“geoelectric hazard analysis”) so power-system engineers can assess the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, particularly during geomagnetic storms. Geomagnetic storms generate electrical currents that can damage transformers and cause cascading power failures. By accessing near-real-time information, engineers can adjust operations and avoid potential blackouts or other disruptions.
Image Credit: USGS
