Space Weather Emergency Preparedness: Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure From Geomagnetic Storms

Activities on the surface of the Sun create a type of weather known as space weather which can be caused by the eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from its atmosphere. Different forms of space weather, such as geomagnetic storms, can cause anomalies and disruptions to our technology here on Earth. Because of this, businesses and government agencies need to prepare for the impacts of space weather on critical infrastructures.

Effect of Space Weather on Man-made Infrastructures

Geomagnetic storms and other forms of space weather affect the magnetosphere, thermosphere, and ionosphere of the Earth. These effects can extend to the ground when the changing geomagnetic field interacts with the solid part of our planet. For instance, space weather can disrupt telecommunications and GPS navigation and cause satellite failures. The power grids can also get damaged, causing loss of electricity which can compromise our personal and national security. The aviation industry is also vulnerable to the effects of space weather. Disruptions in the magnetic field can cause anomalies in flight routes and increase human exposure to high radiation levels.

Even before the generation and distribution of electricity has become widespread, space weather has already affected human lives. This was proven when the strongest geomagnetic storm, the Carrington Event, was recorded in September 1859. During this time, a massive solar flare created strong aurora displays and caused excess electric currents along telegraph lines, leading to massive fires.

ALSO READ: How the Earth's Magnetic Field Shields Us from Space's Wrath

Preparing for the Impacts of Space Weather

Early warning and preparedness are essential, limiting space weather's adverse effects. In Europe and the U.S., forecasting capabilities are available 24/7 to support early warning from the government and industry. Some agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), monitor the Earth's magnetic field using ground-based observatories across the U.S. and its territories. From the data gathered by the observatories, geoelectric hazard maps are created, which are very helpful to utility companies in assessing the vulnerability of power-grid systems and mitigating the adverse effects of intense magnetic storms. There are also valuable products developed for real-time situational assessment of the impact of magnetic storms.

However, ensuring that these space weather forecasts are consistently received from various service providers is essential. These can be achieved through good communication between the industry and the scientific community since relevant and reliable data are needed to allow operators to make sound decisions.

While the government can have real-time information about space weather, businesses have a few days to prepare for the effects of solar weather events, especially coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Companies can put safety measures in place ensures that their electronic devices are not operating when CME reaches the Earth. Although it seems costly to shut down operations, it is still a better option than having a complete infrastructure loss.

Another factor businesses must consider is their reliance on digital storage which is very vulnerable to the impacts of geomagnetic storms. It is, therefore, a practical step to keep hard copies of important data as soon as the warning from government agencies is received. Most of all, businesses should also plan to deal with fires, robberies, and cyberattacks since they can also come as aftermaths of infrastructure damage.

However, forecasting the occurrence of geomagnetistorm is limited by understanding the f magnetic field orientation of solar activities before they reach the Earth. Experts are aware that there are still gaps in the physical and impact modeling, affecting the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.