Interplanetary shocks and the resulting geomagnetically induced currents at the equator
Abstract
Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) caused by interplanetary shocks represent a serious space weather threat to modern technological infrastructure. The arrival of interplanetary shocks drives magnetosphere and ionosphere current systems, which then induce electric currents at ground level. The impact of these currents at high latitudes has been extensively researched, but the magnetic equator has been largely overlooked. In this paper, we investigate the potential effects of interplanetary shocks on the equatorial region and demonstrate that their magnetic signature is amplified by the equatorial electrojet. This local amplification substantially increases the region's susceptibility to GICs. Importantly, this result applies to both geomagnetic storms and quiet periods and thus represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of adverse space weather impacts on technological infrastructure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1002/2015gl065060
Entities
People
- A. J. Halford
- B. A. Carter
- Endawoke Yizengaw
- Kunyi Zhang
- R. Norman
- R. Pradipta
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Australian Research Council
- Boston College
- Dartmouth College
- Federal Aviation Administration
- RMIT University