The physical theory of the Earth's magnetic and electric phenomena: 4. Continued

Abstract

53. I am grateful to Dr. Steiner for his helpful discussion of the question raised in Nos. III and IV as to whether the Earth is chiefly an electromagnet, due possibly to negative electric currents circulating overhead in the same general direction as that of the Earth's rotation. It may be recalled that this was advanced merely as a working hypothesis in order to ascertain just what conclusions would thereby be implied and how far the hypothesis might assist in explaining the phenomena found in my paper, PD No. II. (Terr. Mag. v. 6, pp. 13–24). The facts of the latter paper will receive fuller treatment in a subsequent number; they appear to be related in some manner to the Earth's rotation.Steiner agrees with me that the portion of the Earth's magnetism which heretofore was thought almost universally could only be due to internal agencies, can be produced, at least theoretically, equally as well by external electric currents. He is also in agreement with me as to the direction in which these exernal currents would have to circulate around the Earth, viz., from west to east, if negative, and the reverse, if positive. In other words, the direction of the external currents would be precisely the same as that of internal currents supposed capable of causing the Earth's magnetism. If Nos. III and IV accomplish nothing beyond the general recognition of these two facts—that the electric currents may be external ones, and that their direction may be at the same time the same as the supposed internal ones—I shall feel abundantly repaid for the labor bestowed. Given the possibility of an external source, a variety of questions stimulating further research immediately arises.