Simon ZL4PLM
Thanks for the extensive reply. I do agree that the damage could be quite bad, but it is as I said, the truth is somewhere between in what this article says. Based on the unbelievable currents that can develop, the original book on the proceeding talks more about some preventative measures. (Though the alarmist arguments are hard to assess because commercial interested of the corporations backing the moves. Though wanting to do this at a time with the economic crises and climate change, well...)
Thank you for your submarine story, certainly a chilling example of the navigational consequences of such events. It reminded me of some of the stories of similar blackouts in WWII!
The other point that the New Scientist article should really present to the facts towards a serious topic. Sensationalism like this just promotes contempt - especially as what was said by the geophysicists was more to do with improving infrastructure and protecting the grid.
Thank you for bring some balance to the topic being discussed here.
Cheers
Note: I bought a half kilo bag of garlic the other day.... Thanks for that advise!