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On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America

Jeffrey J. Love·E. Joshua Rigler·Anna Kelbert·Carol A. Finn·Paul A. Bedrosian·Christopher C. Balch
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Abstract

A review is given of the present feasibility for accurately mapping geoelectric fields across North America in near-realtime by modeling geomagnetic monitoring and magnetotelluric survey data. Should this capability be successfully developed, it could inform utility companies of magnetic-storm interference on electric-power-grid systems. That real-time mapping of geoelectric fields is a challenge is reflective of (1) the spatiotemporal complexity of geomagnetic variation, especially during magnetic storms, (2) the sparse distribution of ground-based geomagnetic monitoring stations that report data in realtime, (3) the spatial complexity of three-dimensional solid-Earth impedance, and (4) the geographically incomplete state of continental-scale magnetotelluric surveys.

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Jeffrey J. Love, E. Joshua Rigler, Anna Kelbert, Carol A. Finn, Paul A. Bedrosian, Christopher C. Balch. 2018-06-08. On the feasibility of real-time mapping of the geoelectric field across North America. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181043

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