One of the most extreme examples is the failure of the Quebec Hydro's power system. During a storm auroral particle precipitation into the atmosphere increases and the magnetospheric electric field mapped to the atmosphere intensifies. As given by Faraday's Law, a time-changing magnetic field will induce an electric potential on conductors. In short, ionospheric currents couple to currents in conductors within the Earth through fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field. As more and more advanced electric and magnetic properties are employed in every-day activities, the effects of the upper atmosphere become more profound.
Today there are a number of man made systems which are affected by geomagnetic storms.
Satellite Systems Energetic particles continually impact the surfaces of satellites. When the number and energy of the impacting particles increases the operation of the satellite can be affected adversely. Both the command and data signals can be modified such that the satellite does not function properly and the data from instruments is meaningless. Increased Atmospheric Drag Satellite control problems are increased during geomagnetic storms due to heating of the neutral upper atmosphere and the increase of air density at orbital altitudes. Charging and Discharging Problems Energetic particles associated with the storms also lead to satellite surface charging problems degrading the lifetime of the satellite and affecting the electronics.