Sq(H) field variations at Sonmiani geomagnetic observatory, Pakistan for solar cycle 24

Abstract

In this study, Sq(H) field results for Sonmiani geomagnetic observatory (SON), Pakistan are presented first time for solar cycle i.e., Solar Cycle 24. Sonmiani observatory was established in 2008 and was included in the list of INTERMAGNET Magnetic Observatory (IMO) in 2012. The analysis of Sq(H) field is performed to examine diurnal, annual and seasonal behaviour of Sq(H) field at Sonmiani along with Honolulu which is used as reference observatory. Both the observatories lie at the Equatorial Ionisation Anomaly (EIA) crest. In general strong dependency of Sq(H) field on solar cycle has been observed. First peak of SC24 was visible in Sq(H) field at both observatories. However, at HON maximum Sq(H) was observed in 2015 instead of 2014, a year later than the year of solar maximum. Prominent longitudinal difference has been noted between both observatories. At HON, maximum Sq(H) was observed during equinox while at SON it was noted during equinox and summer as a consequence of shift in latitude of Sq focus. Phase shift of Sq(H) at SON followed a general trend, that is maximum Sq(H) shifted to later hours in solar maximum as compared to solar minimum. Whereas, an opposite trend was noted at HON which might be due to coastal effect. In case of seasonal phase shift, at both observatories maximum Sq(H) occurred at later hours in summer than in winter which is opposite to the results obtained by many workers. These points need further investigation and geomagnetic as well as wind, and electric field data of other observatories situated at the EIA crest region is required to interpret the Sq(H) phase shift extensively.