The diurnal variation of terrestrial magnetism

Abstract

1. In a previous communication I proved that the diurnal variation of terrestrial magnetism had its origin outside the Earth’s surface, and drew the natural conclusion that it was caused by electric currents circulating in the upper regions of the atmosphere. If we endeavour to carry the investigation a step further, and consider the probable origin of these currents, we have at present no alternative to the theory, first proposed by Balfour Stewart, that the necessary electromotive forces are supplied by the permanent forces of terrestrial magnetism acting on the bodily motion of masses of conducting air which cut through its lines of force. In the language of modern electro-dynamics, the periodic magnetic disturbance is due to Foucault currents induced in an oscillating atmosphere by the vertical magnetic force. The problem to be solved in the first instance is the specification of the internal motion of a conducting shell of air, which shall, under the action of given magnetic forces, determine the electric currents producing known electro­magnetic effects. Treating the diurnal and semi-diurnal variations separately, the calculation leads to the interesting results that each of them is caused by an oscillation of the atmosphere which is of the same nature as that which causes the diurnal changes of barometric pressure. The phases of the barometric and magnetic oscillations agree to about 1 3/4 hours, and it is doubtful whether this difference may not be due to uncertainties in the experimental data. In the previous communication referred to, I already tentatively suggested a connection between the barometric and magnetic changes, but it is only recently that I have examined the matter more closely. In the investigation which follows, I begin by considering the possibility that both variations are due to one and the same general oscillation of the atmosphere. The problem is then absolutely determined if the barometric change is known, and we may calculate within certain limits the conducting power of the air which is sufficient and necessary to produce the observed magnetic effects. This conducting power is found to be considerable. It is to be observed, however, that the electric currents producing the magnetic variations circulate only in the upper layers of the atmosphere, where the pressure is too small to affect the barometer; the two variations have their origin, therefore, in different layers, which may to some extent oscillate independently. Though we shall find that the facts may be reconciled with the simpler supposition of one united oscillation of the whole shell of air, there are certain difficulties which are most easily explained by assuming possible differences in phase and amplitude between the upper and lower layers. If the two oscillations are quite independent, the conducting power depending on the now unknown amplitude of the periodic motion cannot be calculated, but must still be large unless the amplitude reaches a higher order of magnitude than we have any reason to assume.