http://www.iris.edu/hq/news/story/stormy_times_ahead_impact_of_solar_coronal_mass_ejection_on_geomagneti

March 14th, 2012
On Wednesday, March 7, a large solar flare ejected a massive stream of charged particles from the solar atmosphere. This ³coronal mass ejection², or CME, was unusually strong, causing an increase in the background stream of particles emitted from the sun, known as the solar wind.

For the first time investigators will be able to determine the 3D variations in the electrical conductivity of the crust and mantle on a truly continental scale. The conductivity of geologic formations is strongly related to the presence of fluids, including magma and brines, the composition and type of rock, its temperature, and the presence of minerals.