Space weather
Conditions beyond Earth's atmosphere, such as solar flares from the sun, can disrupt communication systems, navigational aids and cause power blackouts. NERC's British Geological Survey is helping monitor solar activity, and is advising power companies on how to limit disruption.
The UK has records dating back over 150 years on space weather effects. One of the more spectacular events was a solar and geomagnetic 'super storm' in March 1989. This event caused a widespread electricity blackout in Canada which lasted for over nine hours and affected six million people. Power companies worldwide are becoming much more aware of the risk posed by geomagnetic storms.
In the UK, NERC's British Geological Survey (BGS) studies geomagnetic hazard. Scientists have advised the National Grid Company of England and Wales, and are now working in partnership with Scottish Power plc.
BGS has also examined the geomagnetic hazard to low Earth orbit spacecraft and in directional drilling.