Session - Space Weather Challenges for Resource Exploitation

Magnar G. Johnsen, Knut Stanley Jacobsen

Space Weather affects resource exploitation operations at all latitudes. However, in particular, as previously unavailable high latitude regions of Earth gets accessible owing to changes in the climate, resource exploitation operations will become more common in and close to the auroral zone. For instance geomagnetic surveying and geomagnetic navigation during horizontal drilling sees challenges caused by frequent and large disturbances in the geomagnetic field caused by auroral electrojets in the high latitude ionosphere. Also any operation dependent on precision satellite navigation is affected owing to large and time-dependent, horizontal gradients and irregularities in the electron density associated with auroral precipitation and polar cap patches and blobs. This session addresses the scientific background of ionospheric/space weather effects on resource exploitation operations as well as how these effects poses challenges for operators. Furthermore, how these challenges are approached and solved will be addressed.

Tuesday November 18, 09:00-13:00, room Mosane

Talks

9:00 am The Accuracy of Extrapolated Magnetic Observatory Measurements for MWD in the Arctic
  Clarke, E1; Billingham, L1; Beggan, C1; Turbitt, C1
  British Geological Survey
  The recent trend of increased hydrocarbon drilling activity at high geomagnetic latitudes, in locations such as Alaska, Canada and the Barents Sea, is expected to continue in the coming years. At such locations, maintaining the desired accuracies in extended-reach drilling can be a much greater challenge than elsewhere in the world and for Measurement While Drilling (MWD) operations, where gyroscopic methods may not be an option, the use of geomagnetic referencing is essential. In order to reach challenging targets and avoid well collisions, it is important to estimate the uncertainties as accurately as possible as well as to reduce these uncertainties, where possible.  Disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field (Bd) caused by currents flowing in the ionosphere and magnetosphere can significantly perturb the strength and direction of the magnetic field measured down hole. During magnetic storms variation in azimuth of several degrees over a short period of time can occur. It is well established that these effects are on average greatest at higher geomagnetic latitudes such as those nearer the auroral electrojets. Even during geomagnetic quiet times, the daily range of total field intensity, azimuth (declination) and dip angles (inclination) at high latitude can exceed desired threshold accuracies for MWD.  To account for these variations at the drill site, real-time magnetic field measurements from nearby geomagnetic observatories are often applied.  As many of the drilling campaigns are off-shore or in remote locations it is usually not possible to measure the Earth’s magnetic field near the drilling locations to the accuracies required. Sufficient accuracy can, however, be obtained at established magnetic observatories and Bd can be extrapolated from those measurements to the drill sites. We show examples of where this has been successfully applied, with estimates of Bd being combined with estimates of the other field sources for optimum accuracy. Other sources, collectively termed here as the undisturbed magnetic field, Bu , are from the Earth’s core and lithosphere as well as the ever present quiet magnetospheric fields, and can be estimated from global and local models combined.  However the uncertainties in the reference field estimates grow as the distance between the observatory and drill site increases. The question for survey management teams and operators is how far can Bd be reliably extrapolated whilst still improving reference field estimates at the drill site?  We examine this question by investigating the effect of distance on the extrapolation of Bd in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions. We analyse data from high-latitude pairs of observatories and variometer stations and examine the uncertainties resulting from the application of magnetic field measurements at one location in estimating the disturbances at another. We quantify the uncertainties in the estimates of magnetic field strength and direction as a function of geomagnetic latitude. Sites are chosen at a variety of separations, latitudes and longitudes to allow diverse scenarios to be examined. In addition, by considering data over periods of more than 11 years, we are able to study seasonal, annual and solar cycle effects.
9:20 am Geomagnetic Variations along Concurrent Latitudes due to Ionospheric Currents
  Edvardsen, I1; Gullikstad Johnsen , M2; Løvhaug, U  P2
  1The Arctic University of Norway and Baker Hughes; 2UiT - The Arctic University of Norway
  The geomagnetic field often experiences large fluctuations, especially at high latitudes in the auroral zone. This poses challenges for companies involved in resource exploitation there. It is widely known that the geomagnetic activity generally increases with increasing latitude and that the largest fluctuations are caused by substorm processes happening almost every night.  In principle the magnitude of geomagnetic disturbances from two identical substorms along concurrent geomagnetic latitudes, at different local times, will be the same. However, as a combination of the chosen coordinate system and the background geomagnetic field we may anticipate that the signature of a substorm will vary as function of geographic longitude.   In order to investigate and quantify this statement, we apply a simple 3D model of Earth magnetic field and use line currents to simulate geomagnetic substorms of different morphologies and at different local times. The results of this simulation effort are discussed in context of resource exploitation in the arctic. We also attempt to identify and quantify areas along the auroral zone where there is a potential for increased space weather challenges compared to other areas.
09:40 am ESA SSA - Service Supporting Resource Exploitation System Operators (RESOSS)
  Johnsen, M  G1; Jacobsen, K  S2
  1Universityo of Tromsø; 2Norwegian Mapping Authority
  As part of the ESA SSA program preparatory phase project SN-VI Provision of Space Weather Additional Services led by Rhea Group, Tromsø Geophysical Observatory and the Norwegian Mapping Authority are developing a Service Supporting Resource Exploitation System Operators (RESOSS).  The RESOSS service shall provide near real-time information about geomagnetic disturbances which primarily affect directional drilling and aeromagnetic surveys, and ionospheric disturbances which primarily affect GNSS-based services.  The RESOSS service will provide these two independent service components as parts of a single service. The RESOSS service will be aimed at a broader user base, and will introduce existing end users of the detailed service components to additional available related service components which should be of interest and benefit to them.   Feedback from the existing end users of the service components will be crucial in the evaluations and refinement of the RESOSS service to be developed.  The rationale behind the effort as well as the current status of the development of the service will be presented.
10:00 am The  Geospace Monitoring Based On Yamal Geophysical Network For Resource Exploitation
  Zaitsev, A1; Mazharov, A2; Petrov, V1; Petrukovich, A3
  1Pushkov Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation; 2Yamal-Nenetz Autonomous Region, Salekhard, Russia; 3Institute of Space Research
  Since 1972 we work to develop the distributed ground-based instrument array along 145 Geomagnetic Meridian. At 1991 the network was destroyed and now is the time to restore it.  First of all new possibilities appeared in Western Siberia on Yamal peninsula as such region become the well-developed area with industrial infrastructure. Second point is that high-tech systems are affected by extraterrestrial influence and the space weather become as the factor of sustainable development for any practical business in high latitudes. Arrays of ground magnetometers provide a powerful tool for monitoring rapidly varying magnetospheric and ionospheric processes over extended regions.            The global systems as SuperDARN, SuperMAG and AMPER allow to get global information about of real magnetospheric processes. But still we need local systems which gave us more details about space-related processes in vicinity of the observational points. Most popular service is the auroral forecast and the local magnetic variations. In practice high demands are the correction of magnetic navigation of instruments for wellbore positioning in the  directional drilling. Another point is accuracy of GPS receivers which provide the capability to map the overlying ionosphere and to investigate the effects of solar storms on communication and navigation systems. The set of sensors as GPS receivers, riometers, VLF-receivers, optical instruments, etc. along local magnetic meridians will display time-space resolution which is not available in data of global networks.   Now in Yamal peninsula we have 4 points of observatories, another 3 will be installed during 2014. Also we have some geophysical prospecting data which might be used for research programs. In view of coming space projects as SWARM, RSBP, RESONANCE, MMS we have a perfect prospects for study of magnetospheric processes on all levels from ground to the outer space above Yamal area. The special attention will be provided to the observatory on Belyi Island which will include the complex of instruments from seismic devices to atmosphere and ionosphere sounders.   The coordinated program “Polar Geophysics of Yamal” is supported by Russian Academy of Science and many institutes and universities. At April 14-16, 20134 we held the International Science and Application Conference – POLAR 2014 – “Polar Geophysics of Yamal: observations, instruments, data bases and information systems related to the Oil and Gas industry”. The integration of advanced software and information technology will allow us to use the techniques to enable the deployment of large scale instrumentation networks. We hope that ground-based instrumentation will provide real-time data for a wide variety of research, applications, and educational users.
10:20 am Russian Network of Geophysical Observations in Arctic and Antarctic Assigned to the Space Weather Monitoring
  Troshichev, O1; Janzhura, A1
  1Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
  The Roshydromet network of geophysical observations includes 11 stations in Arctic and 5 stations in Antarctic. Stations are equipped with magnetometers, riometers and ionosounders. The magnetic data from 5 stations located in the auroral zone (Amderma, Dikson, Cape Chelyuskin, Tiksi, Pebek) are used for calculation of the planetary AE/AL/AU indices. Data from Antarctic station Vostok serve as a basis for derivation of the polar cap magnetic activity index (PC). In last years the Arctic network was subjected to essential reconstruction to ensure availability of the current geophysical data from remote stations in Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI). Renovation includes construction of new buildings at polar stations, deployment of the satellite communication modules and arrangement of new acquisition system at stations.  A real-time information on geophysical processes in polar regions is very important for goals of Space Weather monitoring. The modern communication systems and computer technology makes it possible to collect and process the data from remote sites without significant delays. A new acquisition equipment based on microprocessor modules and reliable in hush climatic conditions has been deployed at the Russian geophysical stations in Arctic and Antarctic. As a result, now we have a contemporary system for on-line collecting and transmitting the geophysical data from remote stations to the Polar Geophysical Center arranged at AARI. The Polar Geophysical Center performs the data processing and analyzing to monitor the space weather characteristics such as: total state of magnetosphere, geomagnetic activity in the auroral zone, state of polar and auroral ionosphere, conditions for radiowave propagations.  It is though that this information should be desirable for resource exploitation operations carried out in Arctic area.
10:40 pm Maritime user Requirements at High Latitudes - First Results from the MARENOR Project
  Behlke, R
  Polar Science and Guiding 
  The ionosphere at high latitudes is characterised by a great variety of spatial and temporal variations that influence radio signals. In addition to navigation solutions that are based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), satellite communication systems also suffer from ionospheric degradation. This is worsened by harsh weather conditions, insufficient coverage by geostationary satellites and the absence of land-based augmentation infrastructure.  Climate change will lead to a decrease in sea ice extent and thus to an increased use of trans-polar shipping routes, presence of gas and oil industries in the High Arctic and higher focus on Search-and-Rescue (SAR) as well as sovereignty issues. These moments usually require navigation and communication solutions that are accurate and reliable.  We describe requirements presented by industrial operators on and around Svalbard. In addition, we present the MARENOR project that aims on evaluating navigation and communication systems at high latitudes including first results.
11:00 pm Fugro offshore positioning: sailing through the solar maximum
  Visser, Hans1; Memarzadeh, Yahya1; de Jong, Kees1
  1Fugro Intersite B.V
  Fugro provides global GNSS augmentation services for the offshore industry using a dedicated and highly redundant infrastructure. After a brief introduction of these services, we will give an overview of the effects of the current solar cycle on precise positioning results in areas such as Brazil, Africa, India and northern Scandinavia. We will in particular focus on the effects of the recent February 2014 Ionospheric storm.   The effects can be summarized as follows: 1) Ionospheric disturbances on GNSS single-frequency services. 2) L-band communication outages for the 10 geostationary satellite links Fugro operates.  3) Ionospheric scintillations on GNSS signals in the equatorial and auroral region.  Possible solutions to mitigate these effects will also be discussed, such as: 1) Removal of gross errors using statistical techniques. 2) Increasing the number of GNSS measurements by lowering the satellite elevation mask. 3) Use of multiple GNSS constellations.  Fugro recently launched an ionospheric scintillation prediction service, which can forecast scintillation for the next 24 hours.  It will help Fugro’s clients with the planning of large offshore operations such as rig moves. Results from this new service will be shown. A new scintillation index for GNSS users will be proposed.