Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs)

Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GICs) can result from geomagnetic storms—a type of space weather event in which Earth’s magnetic field is rattled by incoming magnetic solar material. Most GICs are triggered by coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which interact with the magnetic field around Earth and cause it to rattle. The quick-changing magnetic fields create GICs through a process called electromagnetic induction. GICs can flow through railroad tracks, underground pipelines, and power grids. In extreme cases, they can cause blackouts.