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Induction of currents in long submarine cables by natural phenomena
Author(s) -
Meloni A.,
Lanzerotti L. J.,
Gregori G. P.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg021i004p00795
Subject(s) - geophysics , earth's magnetic field , submarine , geology , current (fluid) , electromagnetic induction , earth (classical element) , eddy current , magnetic field , physics , oceanography , quantum mechanics , mathematical physics , electromagnetic coil
The influence of induced currents on long submarine cables has been observed for nearly a century. The currents originate from time variations in the magnetic field of external origin (magnetospheric, atmospheric tides) and earth and ocean tides. Steady earth currents of internal origin have also been proposed as a possible source. The induced currents will depend upon the length, depth, and geomagnetic location of the cables. Present understanding of the phenomena is reviewed. Also discussed are potential scientific problems which might be addressed with data from such long cables and possible limitations on the information obtained. Such problems include studies of (1) the deep conductivity structure of the earth, (2) telluric currents flowing in mid‐oceanic ridges, (3) the spatial extent of external source fields, and (4) a possible role of electromagnetic eddy currents in fluctuations of the earth's spin rate.