Modeling geomagnetically induced electric field and currents by combining a global MHD model with a local one-dimensional method

Abstract

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) flowing in long conductor systems on the ground are a well-known space weather hazard. We develop a new approach to simulating GICs by combining a global MHD model with a local one-dimensional method. As an example, we apply this approach to model the GIC at the Pirttikoski 400kV transformer of the Finnish high-voltage power system during the space weather event of 22-23 September 1999. The modeled results can capture the main observational features, and the model performances is better than two GIC persistence models, which demonstrates this promising new approach in GIC forecasting. Copyright 2012 by the American Geophysical Union.