Geomagnetically Induced Currents in the Irish Power Network during Geomagnetic Storms

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) are a well-known terrestrial space weather hazard. They occur in power transmission networks and are known to have adverse effects in both high and mid-latitude countries. Here, we study GICs in the Irish power transmission network (geomagnetic latitude 54.7--58.5$^{\circ}$ N) during five geomagnetic storms (06-07 March 2016, 20-21 December 2015, 17-18 March 2015, 29-31 October 2003 and 13-14 March 1989). We simulate electric fields using a plane wave method together with two ground resistivity models, one of which is derived from magnetotelluric measurements (MT model). We then calculate GICs in the 220, 275 and 400~kV transmission network. During the largest of the storm periods studied, the peak electric field was calculated to be as large as 3.8~V~km\textsuperscript{-1}, with associated GICs of up to 23~A using our MT model. Using our homogenous resistivity model, those peak values were 1.46~V~km\textsuperscript{-1} and 25.8~A. We find that three 400 and 275~kV substations are the most likely locations for the Irish transformers to experience large GICs.Comment: 14 pages, 11 Figures, 4 Table

Space Weather Monitoring at the Rosse Solar-Terrestrial Observatory

<p>Poster at 14th European Solar Physics Meeting in Trinity College Dublin (www.espm14.ie).</p> <p>The Rosse Solar-Terrestrial Observatory (RSTO) was established at Birr Castle in the midlands of Ireland to study solar activity and space weather effects on the Earth's ionosphere and geomagnetic field. A set of solar radio spectrometers based on CALLISTO receivers monitor the Sun at 10-400 MHz, while a magnetometer is used to measure the local geomagnetic field and associated K-index. In addition, the ionosphere is monitored using a sudden ionospheric disturbance instrument. All data are provided in near-realtime at www.rosseobservatory.ie.</p

Monitoring and Modelling Geomagnetic Storms in Ireland

<p>Poster given at ESWW11 in Liege.</p> <p> </p> <p>November 2014</p

Geomagnetic Conditions in Ireland During the St. Patrick

<p>Poster presented at NAM 2015 in Llandudno, Wales.</p

New draft item

Talk given to IGRM in 201