Effects of man on geomagnetic activity and pulsations

Abstract

Until recently the only known large-scale effects of man on geomagnetic activity and pulsations were those produced by high-altitude nuclear explosions. However, in just the last few years, measurements have indicated that changes can also be produced by (1) moderately-powered pulsed HF radio (1–20 MHz) transmissions into the ionosphere, (2) high-powered pulsed VLF radio transmissions (3–15 kHz) into the magnetosphere, and (3) by the ULF magnetic noise (frequencies < 5 Hz) from modern dc electric powered mass transit systems. Further, experiments reported by U.S. and Soviet scientists support the suggestion that ULF geomagnetic changes in the ionosphere and magnetosphere can be generated by the passage of a large ULF current around a peninsula in the sea. As a result of these experimental activities, it appears that controlled experiments using artificially generated ULF signals in the ionized upper atmosphere are now feasible. Finally, the report of a “weekend effect” in geomagnetic activity (as measured by the geomagnetic activity index Ap, for example) suggests that man's activities may already have been subtly influencing geomagnetic activity for many years, possibly because of the radiation from electric power distribution systems into the magnetosphere.