Geomagnetic Weather: Where we are, Where we need to be

As a subset of the interdisciplinary and multi-domain subject of space weather, ground-level “geomagnetic weather” is concerned with real-time situational awareness of evolving geomagnetic storm hazards, assessment of future magnetic storm hazards, and the pursuit of fundamental understanding of natural geomagnetic phenomena. Relative to many national and international space-weather projects, geomagnetic weather projects are inexpensive, and they are consistently recognized in formal assessments, such as those made by the US Government, as being both important and needing augmentation. We outline the existing situation for geomagnetic weather science, and we envision, over the next 5 years, some of the related challenges and opportunities for operations and research. Specifically, we consider data acquisition projects: (1) national and international geomagnetic monitoring and data exchange, (2) geoelectric monitoring, and (3) magnetotelluric surveys; as well as related product development, services, and inferential analyses: (4) inverse modeling for solid-Earth electrical conductivity, (5) real-time mapping of geomagnetic and geoelectric activity, (6) forward modeling for hazard assessment, and (8) fundamental research. The science of geomagnetic weather is important for the economy and national security of the United States. Future progress will benefit from national and international cooperation and planning between government agencies, academia, and private industry.