New Underground Map of U.S. Reveals Insights for Electric Grid Resilience
New Underground Map of U.S. Reveals Insights for Electric Grid Resilience
US · Published May 8, 2026
Geologists have unveiled a groundbreaking underground map of the United States, focusing on the electrical conductivity of rocks beneath the Earth's surface.
This map, developed over two decades, provides critical insights into the deep continental structure, including relics of a lost continent and mineral deposits.
According to Paul Bedrosian of the U.S.

Why It's Important?

The findings underscore the vulnerability of the U.S. electric grid to space weather events, such as solar storms. Historical examples, like the 1989 Quebec blackout and the 1859 Carrington event, demonstrate the potential for widespread disruptions and economic losses. The new map can help utilities identify areas at higher risk and plan accordingly to mitigate impacts. Without such data, future magnetic storms could cause trillions of dollars in damages, affecting millions of Americans reliant on stable power supplies.

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