Measurements of the three - dimensional structure of Earth, as opposed to the one - dimensional models typically used, can help scientists more accurately determine which areas of the
United States are most vulnerable to
blackouts during hazardous geomagnetic storms.
«
During the worst of the storm from January 5 - 6, 2018, actual U.S. electricity market experience demonstrated that without the resilience of coal - and fuel oil / dual - firing plants... the eastern
United States would have suffered severe electricity shortages, likely leading to widespread
blackouts,» NETL researchers reported.