Graduation Semester and Year
Summer 2026
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Physics
Department
Physics
First Advisor
Cheng Sheng
Second Advisor
Zhonghua Xu
Third Advisor
Zihan Wang
Abstract
Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) are electrical currents induced in long grounded conductors during geomagnetic disturbances. They represent one of the primary space weather hazards to critical infrastructure, particularly high-voltage power transmission systems and other grounded conductor networks such as pipelines. As modern society becomes more dependent on these systems, understanding and mitigating the impacts of space weather has become increasingly important. This thesis examines the physical mechanisms that generate GICs, from the interaction of the solar wind with Earth’s Magnetosphere to Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere (MIT) coupling and the current systems that drive geomagnetic disturbances (GMDs). Case studies from Zimbabwe and Finland illustrate how storm intensity and geomagnetic latitude infuence GIC magnitudes, demonstrating that mid- and low-latitude regions are also susceptible to signifcant impacts during extreme storm events. Beyond these large-scale drivers, this work reviews recent research showing that multiscale phenomena, such as ULF pulsations and small-scale ionospheric currents, can produce disturbances that current empirical and physics-based models struggle to accurately represent, largely due to limitations in spatial and temporal resolution and simplifed ground conductivity assumptions. Addressing these modeling gaps requires improved temporal resolution and expanded magnetometer networks. This thesis therefore also evaluates the potential of citizen science and low-cost magnetometer technologies, such as NASA’s EZIE-mag kit, smartphone magnetometer applications, and DIY RM3100-based sensors, to complement existing geomagnetic observations while improving data accessibility and promoting public engagement and awareness of space science.
Keywords
Space Physics, Geomagnetically Induced Currents, Multiscale, Citizen Science, Magnetometer
Disciplines
Other Physics
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Le, Richard, "An Exploration of Geomagnetically Induced Currents and the Accessibility of Geomagnetic Data Collection" (2026). Physics Theses. 1.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/physics_theses2/1