Highlights Including low-cost variometers can improve sparse geomagnetic field interpolation Interpretable equivalent current basis functions are presented for mid-latitudes The adapted interpolation scheme can be used directly by utilities for GIC modelling
Abstract Space weather and its impact on infrastructure presents a clear risk in the modern era, as evidenced by the adverse effects of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) in power networks. To model GICs, ground-based geomagnetic field (B-field) measurements are critical and need to be available in the region of interest. A challenge globally lies in the sparse distribution of magnetometer arrays, which are seldom located near critical power network nodes. Interpolation of the geomagnetic field (B-field) is often needed, with the spherical elementary current system (SECS) approach developed for high-latitude regions favoured. We adapt this interpolation scheme to include low-cost variometers to interpolate directly and increase interpolation accuracy. A further adaptation to the scheme is to physically represent the mid-latitude context where most power networks and pipelines lie. The driving current systems in these regions differ from their high-latitude counterparts. Using a physics-consistent mid-latitude version of SECS, we show why previous implementations in Southern Africa are incorrect but still result in useful interpolation. The scope of these adaptations not only has direct application to research in general, but also to utilities, where effective low-cost instrumentation can be used to improve GIC modelling accuracy.
Adaptations to a geomagnetic field interpolation method in Southern Africa
Advances in Space Research ; 72 , 3 ; 854-865
2022-03-11
12 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Azimuthal propagation of Pc5 geomagnetic field pulsations in the southern polar cap
Online Contents | 2011
|Error Compensation of Geomagnetic Field Measurement Used in Geomagnetic Navigation
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2018
|