Editing Space weather (section)

===Ground-induced electric fields===
[[Geomagnetic storm|Magnetic storm activity]] can induce geoelectric fields in the Earth's conducting [[lithosphere]].<ref>{{cite journal | doi = 10.1109/27.902215 | volume=28 | title=Geomagnetically induced currents during magnetic storms | year=2000 | journal=IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science | pages=1867–1873 | last1 = Pirjola | first1 = R.| issue=6 | bibcode=2000ITPS...28.1867P }}</ref> Corresponding voltage differentials can [[Geomagnetically induced current|find their way into electric power grids through ground connections]], driving uncontrolled electric currents that interfere with grid operation, damage transformers, trip protective relays, and sometimes cause blackouts.<ref>Extreme Space Weather: Impacts on Engineered Systems and Infrastructure, pp. 1-68. Roy. Acad. Engineer., London, UK (2013)</ref> This complicated chain of causes and effects was demonstrated during [[March 1989 geomagnetic storm|the magnetic storm of March 1989]],<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Allen | first1 = J. | last2 = Frank | first2 = L. | last3 = Sauer | first3 = H. | last4 = Reiff | first4 = P. | title = (1989) Effects of the March 1989 solar activity | journal = EOS Trans. Am. Geophys. Union | volume = 70 | issue = 1479| pages = 1486–1488 }}</ref> which caused the complete collapse of the [[Hydro-Québec]] electric-power grid in Canada, temporarily leaving nine million people without electricity. The possible occurrence of an even more intense storm<ref>Baker, D.N., Balstad, R., Bodeau, J.M., Cameron, E., Fennell, J.E., Fisher, G.M., Forbes, K.F., Kintner, P.M., Leffler, L.G., Lewis, W.S., Reagan, J.B., Small, A.A., Stansell, T.A., Strachan, L.: Severe Space Weather Events: Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts, pp. 1-144, The National Academy Press, Washington, DC (2008)</ref> led to operational standards intended to mitigate induction-hazard risks, while [[reinsurance]] companies commissioned revised [[risk assessments]].<ref>Lloyd's: Emerging Risk Report: Solar Storm Risk to the North American Electric Grid, pp. 1--22. Lloyd's of London, London, UK (2013)</ref>