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Estimating the Geoelectric Field and Transmission Line Voltages During a Geomagnetic Storm in Alberta, Canada Using Empirical Magnetotelluric Impedance Data: The Influence of Three-dimensional Electrical Structures in the Lithosphere
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  • Darcy Cordell,
  • Martyn Unsworth,
  • Benjamin Lee,
  • Cedar Hanneson,
  • David Milling,
  • Ian Mann
Darcy Cordell
University of Alberta

Corresponding Author:darcy.cordell@gmail.com

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Martyn Unsworth
University of Alberta
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Benjamin Lee
University of Alberta
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Cedar Hanneson
University of Alberta
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David Milling
University of Alberta
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Ian Mann
University of Alberta
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Abstract

Estimating the effect of geomagnetic disturbances on infrastructure is an important problem since they can induce damaging currents in electric power transmission lines. In this study, an array of magnetotelluric (MT) impedance measurements in Alberta and southeastern British Columbia are used to estimate the geoelectric field resulting from a magnetic storm on September 8, 2017. The resulting geoelectric field is compared to the geoelectric field calculated using the more common method involving a piecewise-continuous 1-D conductivity model. The 1-D model assumes horizontal layers, which result in orthogonal induced electric fields while the empirical MT impedance data account for fully 3-D electromagnetic induction. The geoelectric field derived from empirical MT impedance data demonstrates a preferential polarization in southern Alberta, and the geoelectric field magnitude is largest in northeastern Alberta where resistive Canadian Shield outcrops. The induced voltage in the Alberta transmission network is estimated to be ~120 V larger in northeastern Alberta when using the empirical MT impedances compared to the piecewise-continuous 1-D model. Transmission lines oriented northwest-southeast in southern Alberta have voltages which are 10-20% larger when using the MT impedances due to the polarized geoelectric field. As shown with forward modelling tests, the polarization is due to the Southern Alberta British Columbia conductor in the lower crust (20-30 km depth) that is associated with a Proterozoic tectonic suture zone. This forms an important link between ancient tectonic processes and modern-day geoelectric hazards that cannot be modelled with a 1-D analysis.