Recent U.S. Policy Developments Addressing the Effects of Geomagnetically Induced Currents

摘要

Changes in the dynamics and composition of solar wind (a component of space weather) interacting with Earth’s magnetic field can lead to geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs). GMDs occur regularly and can induce electric currents in long conductors that form the backbone of infrastructure systems such as the electrical power grid, gas and oil pipelines, and railways. Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can disrupt and potentially damage these systems, which are critical to the economic and social well-being of many nations.