I know that the EMP introduce Compton scattering in the upper atmosphere; that there are induced, *very* short-lived currents induced in almost any length of conducting materials — short enough that the typical surge protectors don’t work; and that diesel engines would still start: ergo locomotives could still move and mayhap provide power until they ran out of fuel. What are the chief differences between the EMP and Carrington?
” What are the chief differences between the EMP and Carrington?”
EMP is typically what is referred to as the effect from a high altitude nuclear detonation.
A “Carrington Event” is a solar storm that causes a geomagnetic disturbance.
EMP top frequency is about 1000MHz, a Solar EMP/Geomagnetic Storm has a top frequency content of a few HERTZ.
A geomagnetic storm causes Geomagnetically Induced Currents - which when imposed on long-distance transmission lines can cause uncontrolled DC currents to superimpose onto the AC transmission line currents which is the mechanism for transformer damage.