Variation Characteristics of Geoelectric Field in Mid-to-Low Latitude Area during Geomagnetic Storms

Abstract

Large geoelectric field generated in the ground during severe space weather events are sources of geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which flow in power systems potentially causing damage to system component or failure of the system. In this paper, based on the H and D components of the recent geomagnetic storm data measured at 10 mid-to-low latitude geomagnetic observatories, we analyzed the variation characteristics of the amplitude of north-south and east-west geoelectric components with geographic latitudes. Furthermore, we discussed the possibilities of GIC problem occurrence in transmission lines in different directions at different latitude in China. The result shows that transmission lines in east-west direction at higher latitude are more susceptible to space weather hazard. And it will contribute to the assessment of geomagnetic hazard to power systems and the control of GIC in the current and future power grids in China.