Global 3-D full-Maxwell's equations FDTD modeling of the effects of space weather on the Earth-ionosphere system

In this paper three-dimensional, full-vector Maxwell's equations finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) models of the global Earth-ionosphere system are applied to the area of space weather. Specifically, coronal mass ejections (CME)-induced currents are modeled in the ionosphere and the resulting ground potential rises and geomagnetic induced currents at the Earth's surface are studied. This work has application to the operation of power grids.