Magnetotelluric instrumentation for geophysics and space physics

该提案要求提供支助，以购买两台大地电磁仪器，用于地球物理学和空间物理学的研究和教学。这些仪器测量在太空中产生并传播到地球的自然电磁（无线电）波。在地球物理研究中，仪器将测量地球表面的信号。通过对网格点的测量，可以得到地球的三维图像，就像X射线被用来观察人体内部一样。这些测量提供了关于地球电阻率的信息，这是一种对水、熔融岩石和某些经济上重要的矿物的存在敏感的属性。这些仪器将用于阿尔伯塔大学的地球物理研究，其中包括：**（1）研究板块构造，这对减少加拿大和南美洲大地震造成的风险很重要。(2)勘探地热能，以寻找可用于供暖和发电的热水。这对加拿大从化石燃料向可再生能源的过渡至关重要。(3)对加拿大和南美洲的活火山进行调查，用于定位熔融岩石以了解喷发的风险。** (4)开发勘探工具，寻找加拿大经济所需的矿产。在空间物理学中，这些仪器将测量地球表面的无线电波。该研究将解决这些波如何以两种方式干扰电网。(1)了解这些信号是如何产生的，以及什么条件会导致强烈的、潜在的破坏性信号。地面测量将通过更好地确定信号产生的位置来补充卫星测量。**（2）当这些波到达地球时，它们在地面和电网中产生电流。电流的大小取决于地球的磁场、地球的结构和电网的布局。预测电流的强度是减少磁暴对电网的破坏所必需的。计算机模型可以预测对电网的影响，但由于缺乏合适的观测结果而受到限制。用这些仪器进行的测量将提高预测的准确性，从而减少空间天气对电网造成的损害。这项研究对加拿大电力公司和任何依赖电力供应的人都具有重要的经济意义。 加拿大的电力监管机构正在制定应对这些风险的要求。*除了使重要的研究成为可能外，这些仪器还将用于培训阿尔伯塔大学和阿萨巴斯卡大学的本科生和研究生。这些学生将有资格从事以下两个领域的职业：（a）地球物理学，既减少危害又探索资源;（B）空间物理学，以减少空间气象和其他应用造成的危害。

This proposal requests support to purchase two magnetotelluric instruments for use in research and teaching in geophysics and space physics. These instruments measure naturally occurring electromagnetic (radio) waves that are generated in space and travel into the Earth.******In the geophysical studies the instruments will measure the signals at the surface of the Earth. From measurements at a grid of points, a 3-D image of the Earth can be derived, just as X-rays are used to look inside the human body. These measurements provide information about the electrical resistivity of the Earth, a property that is sensitive to the presence of water, molten rock and certain economically important minerals. The instruments will be used in geophysical research at the University of Alberta that includes :******(1) Studies of plate tectonics which are important for reducing the risks posed by major earthquakes in Canada and South America.******(2) Exploration for geothermal energy to find hot water that can be used for heating and electricity generation. This is an important for Canada's transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.******(3) Investigations of active volcanoes in Canada and South America where they are used to locate molten rock to understand the risks of eruption.******(4) In developing exploration tools to search for the minerals needed for the Canadian economy.******In space physics the instruments will measure the radio waves at the surface of the Earth. The research will address how these waves can interfere with power grids in two ways.******(1) To understand how these signals are generated, and what conditions lead to strong, potentially damaging signals. The ground based measurements will complement satellite measurements by better defining the location of signal generation. ******(2) When these waves reach the Earth, they generate electric currents in both the ground and power grids. The amount of current depends on the Earth's magnetic field, the structure of the Earth and the layout of the power grid. Predictions of the strength of electric current is needed to reduce damage to power grids during magnetic storms. Computer models can predict the impact on the grid, but are limited by a lack of suitable observations. Measurements made with these instruments will improve the accuracy of predictions and thereby reduce the resulting damage to power grids caused by space weather. This research is economically important to Canadian power companies and anyone who relies on electric power supply. Power regulators in Canada are developing requirements for these risks to be addressed.******As well as making important research possible, the instruments will be used to train undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Alberta and Athabasca University. These students will be qualified to work in careers in (a) geophysics, both reducing hazards and exploring for resources and (b) in space physics to reduce hazards from space weather and other applications.