Geomagnetic Disturbance Impact on Magnetic Survey Tool Errors in High-Latitude Directional Drilling

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 The Geophysical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.

2 Department of Informatics, Ufa University of Science and Technology, Ufa, Russia.

10.22059/jesphys.2026.404857.1007734

Abstract

This paper presents an approach to develop a proactive probabilistic model for assessing extreme errors in magnetic surveying tools caused by geomagnetic disturbances in the Arctic aurora zone, with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of directional drilling and accounting for risks that go beyond reactive compensation methods.
Analysis of high-resolution geomagnetic data (2004-2005) from 12 auroral observatories reveals that the absolute additional error in magnetic declination (|ΔD|) follows a composite statistical law. The core of the distribution (~84% of data) is lognormal (shape parameter s = 0.87 for |ΔDmean| and s = 1.02 for |ΔDmax|), indicating error formation via multiplicative ionospheric processes. Critically, the tails (~16%) are heavy and obey a Pareto distribution, signaling a substantial risk of extreme events. We quantify that the maximum synchronous error (|ΔDmax|) exceeds 5.67° with a 1% probability, even during the solar cycle's declining phase. A distinct diurnal pattern with dual maxima suggests an optimal time windows for precision drilling operations.
The established lognormal-Pareto model facilitates a paradigm shift towards proactive risk management in high-latitude drilling. Our findings underscore the statistical insufficiency of mean-error approaches and quantify a significant probability of extreme azimuthal errors due to space weather. This study provides a foundation for developing decision-support systems, optimizing operational schedules, and informing stricter metrological standards for Arctic drilling equipment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of the Earth and Space Physics
Volume 51, Issue 4
online publication date: 17 March 2026
March 2026
Pages 65-73

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