Earlier quoted context omitted.
> CMEs and EMPs I'm confused how an EMP and a CME differ. Aren't they both magnetic disturbances that affect electronics due to the fact that electromagnetism is one and the same?
Perhaps there's a difference in intensity and duration. Wikipedia indicates[0] that an EMP could generate 50kV/m electric fields lasting ~1μs, a second component similar to lightning lasting ~1s (electric field intensity not listed), and a third, long-term component that lasts hundreds of seconds. CMEs, it appears, only generate the third, long-lasting type of electric disturbance. According to NASA[1], these have el…
> CMEs, it appears, only generate the third, long-lasting type of electric disturbance. According to NASA[1], these have electric fields up to 26V/km, which is a much lower intensity, but for a significantly longer duration.
And on a much bigger scale distance wise. An EMP would not engulf half the planet in one go.