Magnetometer observations reveal that the Earth's magnetic field has a short memory

Geomagnetically induced currents produced by stormy space weather can cause disturbances in power grids. In the worst case, this may lead to large-scale power outages. The aim of the study was to better understand the behaviour of currents and their predictability.

Photo: Jani Riekkinen / stock.adobe.com

The study confirms the view that the forecasting of the time derivative of the geomagnetic field and geomagnetically induced flows is very challenging. However, in the future, combining different data sources, such as models and simulations, may help develop the predictions further.

Further information:

Doctoral Researcher Mirjam Kellinsalmi, Finnish Meteorological Institute, tel. 050 463 0803, mirjam.kellinsalmi@fmi.fi

Reference: Kellinsalmi, M., Viljanen, A., Juusola, L., and Käki, S.: The time derivative of the geomagnetic field has a short memory, Ann. Geophys., 40, 545–562, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-545-2022, 2022.

Scientific article available on Annaeles Geophysicae.

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