Changes in the dynamics and composition of solar wind (a component of space weather) interacting with Earth 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.
The 1859 Carrington event was one of the most severe space weather events on record. Some researchers believe that if a Carrington-level event occurred today, it could result in catastrophic effects to the electrical power grid (widespread and long-term power outages) and other infrastructure.
The potential magnitude of the effects is primarily due to the prevalence of the interconnected grid and society growing dependence on electronic technology. A GMD event in March 1989 triggered the collapse of the Canadian Hydro-Quebec electric power grid, affecting millions of customers. The 1989 event, while smaller in magnitude than the Carrington event, was a clear demonstration of the vulnerabilities to GICs.
The March, 1989 GMD event elevated space weather as a hazard to modern technology and helped drive research into understanding the vulnerabilities and effects of GICs on technology systems. For industry, it was a call to action. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation and Oak Ridge National Laboratory reported that GICs led to damage in some extra high-voltage transformers and other grid components in Canada and in the U.S.
The GIC-driven power outage resulted in Hydro-Quebec investing more than $1.2 billion (CAD) on monitoring and mitigation technologies between 1989 and 2002.
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