What specific hazard results when a powerful CME triggers significant compression of the magnetosphere?
Answer
Geomagnetic storm causing rapid magnetic field fluctuations at the surface
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) carry massive clouds of plasma and magnetic fields. When these fields interact forcefully with Earth's magnetic field, the magnetosphere can be severely compressed. This event is categorized as a geomagnetic storm. The primary physical consequence of a strong geomagnetic storm is the resulting rapid fluctuation or variability observed in the magnetic field right at the Earth's surface. These fluctuations are the precursors to induced ground currents that affect human infrastructure.
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