Understanding the Impacts of Geomagnetically Induced Currents on Power Systems

Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs), generated by variations in the Earth's magnetic field during space weather events, present a significant hazard to critical ground-based infrastructure, notably impacting power transmission lines, electrical grids, railway signaling systems, and submarine communication cables.

While the space weather drivers of ground magnetic field fluctuations and the resultant induced ground electric fields are subjects of established research and growing understanding, the consequential effects of GICs on the operational systems (e.g., power grids) and overall integrity of power systems remain comparatively less explored. These knowledge gaps represent a critical impediment to both the accurate modeling and effective observation of GIC impacts, as well as the robust quantification of the risks and hazards posed by space weather-driven GICs.

This Research Topic specifically invites submissions that address the multifaceted impacts of GICs on ground power systems. Furthermore, this solicitation encourages contributions that elucidate the underlying magnetospheric and ionospheric processes that drive the generation and flow of GICs, alongside case studies and analyses of specific geomagnetic storm events.

Relevant areas of investigation for this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:

-Impacts of GIC-driven total harmonic distortion on power system components.
-Analysis and modeling of transformer thermal issues and potential damage during geomagnetically disturbed periods.
-Quantification and modeling of various potential impacts of GICs on power system performance under both geomagnetically disturbed and quiet conditions.
-Operational and control challenges arising from GIC effects in power grids.
-Development and application of monitoring techniques for GICs and their consequences in power infrastructure.
-Strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of GICs on power systems.

We welcome submissions employing observational data analysis, theoretical modeling, and data science approaches relevant to the aforementioned topics.

This Research Topic encourages the submission of various article types, including Original Research papers, Perspective articles, Opinions, Review articles and Mini-Review articles, as well as Hypothesis and Theory papers, that contribute to advancing our understanding of the critical relationship between space weather, GICs, and ground power systems.

The study of GICs is inherently interdisciplinary, bridging geophysics, space physics, and applied physics. While GICs are geophysically driven, their impacts extend deeply into applied physics domains, such as electrodynamics, materials science, and the physics of complex systems. Thus, we invite contributions that reach beyond the traditional geophysics community—engaging physicists working on plasma physics, nonlinear dynamics, energy systems, and infrastructure resilience. This broader perspective is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of GIC phenomena and their technological consequences.