ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of the Sun-Earth physics, followed by the information on the modeling advances. It provides lists of historical evidences of negative Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMD) impacts on terrestrial technological infrastructures such as power systems, railways, and pipelines. The book explores the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) observation activities around the globe. It explores the GIC observation in Russia which is not well known compared to other countries. The book provides information on power system equipment operation principles and its vulnerabilities to GMD effects as a unit and as a part of the system. It shows that the power grid robustness to GMDs is multi-criterial. The book explores the information on economic loss evaluation associated with an event caused by a severe GMD, and preliminary catastrophe model used by insurance industry.
