Published

2022-02-07

Anomalous geoelectric potential variations observed along a gas pipeline section in Argentine, possible intensification with variations of the Earth’s magnetic field

Variaciones anómalas en potenciales geoeléctricos observadas a lo largo de un gasoducto en Argentina y su posible intensificación debido a variaciones del campo magnético terrestre

Keywords:

Generalized regression neural network (GRNN); Radial basis function neural network (RBFNN); Multiple linear regression (MLR); Interpolation methods; Geoid determination (en)
gasoducto; potenciales caño/suelo; tormentas geomagnéticas (es)

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Authors

  • Patricia Alejandra Larocca University of Buenos Aires, School of Engineering, Institute of Applied Geodesy and Geophysics
  • M. A. Arecco University of Buenos Aires, School of Engineering, Institute of Applied Geodesy and Geophysics
  • A. C. Macrino University of La Plata, School of Natural Sciences and Museum, Geology Department

Significant anomalous geoelectric potential variations have been observed in a section of the NEUBA II gas pipeline along its route in the district of Saavedra, near the area of Goyena, province of Buenos Aires (Argentine), where it goes through major lithological, edaphological and hydrological variations. Detailed research was conducted, showing that these disturbances may be intensified with variations of the Earth’s magnetic field, during a magnetic storm, as the pipe-to-soil potential (PSP) values remained constant for weeks and then fluctuations from 0.1 V to 0.15 V were recorded in various parts of the pipeline. On the other hand, to provide another analysis of these variations, models based on the distributed source transmission line (DSTL) theory were used, proposing a uniform geoelectric field along the pipeline route. A design was proposed that would allow modeling the response of the pipeline to variations of induced geoelectric fields, taking into account their intensification based on points of discontinuity due to subsoil characteristics or differences in its structure. Good consistency was achieved between the observed and modeled PSPs. The analysis and monitoring of these PSPs is a useful tool to identify the potential risks caused by geomagnetically induced currents in the pipes that would increase the effects due to the structure or the environment in which it is buried.

Se han observado importantes variaciones anómalas en el potencial geoeléctrico sobre un tramo del gasoducto NEUBA II a lo largo de su recorrido en el distrito de Saavedra, cercano a la zona de Goyena, provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina), donde atraviesa suelos de características litológicas, edafológicas e hidrológicas distintas. Se realizó una investigación detallada que mostró que estas perturbaciones pueden intensificarse con variaciones del campo magnético de la Tierra, durante una tormenta magnética, ya que los valores de la diferencia del potencial tubería-suelo (PSP) permanecían constantes durante semanas y luego se registraron fluctuaciones de 0.1 V a 0.15 V en varias partes del gasoducto. Por otro lado, para brindar otro análisis de estas variaciones, se utilizaron modelos basados en la teoría de la línea de transmisión de fuente distribuida (DSTL), proponiendo un campo geoeléctrico uniforme a lo largo de la ruta del ducto. Se propuso un diseño que permite modelar la respuesta del gasoducto a variaciones de campos geoeléctricos inducidos, teniendo en cuenta su intensificación en base a puntos de discontinuidad por características del subsuelo o diferencias en su estructura. Se logró una buena consistencia entre los PSP observados y modelados. El análisis y seguimiento de estos PSPs es una herramienta útil para identificar los riesgos potenciales provocados por corrientes inducidas geomagnéticamente en las tuberías que incrementan estos efectos debido a la estructura o el entorno en el que está enterrado.

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