Oct 27 – 31, 2025
Europe/Stockholm timezone

Impacts of space weather on ground-based technology in the UK

Oct 30, 2025, 10:45 AM
15m
Tonsalen

Tonsalen

Oral SWR2 - Interdisciplinary Insights into Space Weather Events of Solar Cycle 25: From Solar Origins to Planetary Impacts SWR2 – Interdisciplinary Insights into Space Weather Events of Solar Cycle 25: From Solar Origins to Planetary Impacts

Speaker

Gemma Richardson

Description

Large geomagnetic field variations during geomagnetic storms induce geoelectric currents in the ground which flow through ground-based technology, such as power grids and pipelines. In recent years BGS have been working on improving measurements and models to help quantify the risk of space weather.

We have upgraded our long-term geoelectric field monitoring equipment at the 3 UK observatories, which have now been providing data for over a decade. We have also collected long-period magnetotelluric measurements at 53 new sites, which have been used to improve our geoelectric field models. Additional variometer sites have also been installed to improve the coverage of geomagnetic field measurements across the UK.

With these new data we have been able to upgrade our models and understanding of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) in the power grid, identifying areas with increased GIC hazard. We have also been able to update our models of pipe-to-soil potential (PSP) in the high-pressure gas transmission system, improving our understanding of the potential for enhanced corrosion and possible safety implications of increased PSP during space weather events.

Do you plan to attend in-person or online? In-person

Primary author

Co-authors

Dr Ciarán Beggan (British Geological Survey) Ms Ewelina Lawrence (British Geological Survey) Dr Juliane Hübert (British Geological Survey)

Presentation materials