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USGS Study on Geomagnetic Storms Adapted from Information by the U.S. Geological Survey Geomagnetic storms can cause disruptions to horizontal directional drilling operations, as well as radio communications, communication satellites, and GPS systems. While they are caused by con- ditions in space, an accurate evaluation of the re- sulting hazards requires a detailed understanding of the electrical conductivity of the earth beneath our feet. Anew USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) article examines the feasibility of mapping ground-level hazards from geomagnetic storms by using magnetotelluric (MT) survey data. So, what exactly is a geomagnetic storm? The sun is constantly emitting a wind of electrically charged particles. When a large sunspot emerges on the face of the sun, there is an increased chance for an ejection of concentrated solar wind. Ageomagnetic storm can result from the interaction of these concentrated bursts of solar wind with the earth’s surrounding magnetosphere (a bubble-shaped region of space formed by the extent of earth’s magnetic field). During a geomagnetic storm, geoelectric fields are formed in the earth’s interior. MT surveys are made by positioning sensors on the ground to measure magnetic and electric field variation over time. Data from these surveys allow scientists to construct 3-D models of the earth’s interior electrical con- ductivity structure. These models enable scientists to estimate electric fields which can be generated in the earth during mag- netic storms. USGS scientists studied earthScope MT survey data from across the midwestern United States to determine whether or not geoelectric fields induced in the earth during a magnetic storm could be mapped. Their analysis confirmed it can indeed be mapped, and the earth’s 3-D electrical conductivity has a significant effect on these fields during magnetic storms. The USGS Geomagnetism Program monitors variations in the earth’s magnetic field through a network of 14 ground- based observatories around the United States and its territories. This network enables USGS scientists to monitor the geo- magnetic field every single second throughout the country. The USGS observatory data are then used to calculate magnetic storm intensity. USGS scientists not only conduct research into the physical causes and effects of magnetic storms, they develop methods to improve real-time situational awareness and assess the hazardous effects of magnetic storms. Although geomagnetic storms are most likely to be seen during or around the equinoxes, they can happen any time. Last year, a severe geomagnetic storm occurred June 21-23, 2015; the storm arose in response to variable solar wind conditions em- anating from the sun. When these concentrations of solar wind arrived at earth, they injected electrically charged particles into the earth’s magnetosphere. All of this activity was recorded by ground-based magnetic observatories, including those operated by the USGS. As is typical for geomagnetic storms, activity was particu- larly intense at high latitudes. At the USGS Barrow observatory in northernAlaska, for example, the direction of the earth’s magnetic field fluctuated by almost 10 degrees in less than an hour. You could actually measure the effect of this storm on a simple compass. The equinoxes correspond to the time of the year when the sun’s position in the sky crosses the equator, and we have equal amounts of day- light and night. Research as to why solar storms are more common and severe around the equinoxes is still ongoing, but it most likely has to do with the way the earth’s position relative to the sun changes. Quick Fact: Spring Equinox - March 20, 2016 Fall Equinox - September 22, 2016 Centerline Manufacturing Co. 903-725-6978 903-725-3647 fax ~ Mud pumps for the 21st century ~ www.centerlinemanufacturing.com ~ Centerline mud pumps are getting the job done from Canada to Australia, China to Peru ~ Centerline Manufacturing is proud to be your complete stocking source for American Manufacturing mud pump parts!! U.S. Patent #6,769,884 and others pending Monopump models rated: 180 gpm Duplex models rated: 300 gpm Triplex models rated: 450 gpm 500 or 800 psi models available aluminum or iron. ~ The Centerline 7 1/2” x 10” hydraulic drive mono mud pump ~ ~ compact ~ fits on top or under deck ~ pumps the rated flow of a 5” x 6” @ over twice the rated pressure ~ weighs 650 lbs, 1615 lbs less! 24 APRIL 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®