Geomagnetic Variations Research Articles

Subsurface Structural Characterization as Deduced from High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data over The Confluence Zones in Central, Nigeria

This study aimed to delineate the intrusion body that controls the structural setting and formation around the river Niger-Benue confluence zone with particular attention to its solid mineral potentials, this is achieved in mapping subsurface structural features through the analysis of recent high-resolution aeromagnetic (HRAM) data-sets with the purpose of examining their effects on geological structures that characterize the confluence zones from the study area. To obtain the necessary reduction in geomagnetic variation, measurements of regional gradients and time variation were used. After applying the reduction to the magnetic equator (RTE) to the corrected magnetic data that was obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, NGSA, it was possible to determine the regional expansions of subsurface structural units for both qualitative and quantitative interpretations. In addition, the edge detection method is used to depict the structures and buried subsurface anomalies. Different handling processes were applied to the (HRAM) data, such as local wavenumber (SPI), power spectrum analysis, and Euler and Werner deconvolution analysis. The RTE magnetic anomaly caused by local structures and anomalous body delineated six sub-basins with low amplitude response, which agrees with the total gradient anomaly (analytic signal) and tilt of angle derivative that clearly outlined and characterize edges of lithostratigraphic of Niger-Benue river confluence zones. The sub-basin delineated are the southern Bida basin and northern Anambra basin. The source parameter imagings as well as the Euler and Werner deconvolution were used to delineate major subsurface structures and determine their source depth. Results showed that the area was affected by different lineament trending NE-SW, E-W, and S-E trends. Directional analysis indicates that the dominant trend agrees with the regional fault orientations. The estimated depth to the top of the lineaments on average varies from 0.3 km to 4.6 km and it is relatively deeper in the basins compared to the surrounding areas giving clues to the amount of sediment infill. A 2D forward model showed a sedimentary thickness ranging from 1 to 7 km, and this estimated depth is consistent with the average of 3.5 km proposed by previous researchers.

Refined Spatio-Temporal Model of Accelerations of the Main Geomagnetic Field on the Earth’s Surface and Geomagnetic Jerks

Refined spatial spherical harmonic models of the piecewise constant field of secular geomagneticaccelerations have been constructed based on the concept of geomagnetic jerks. The data of the 189 magneticobservatories operating during the extended period of investigations have been analyzed, assuming that jerksare manifestation of sharp changes in regimes of quasi-stationary magnetohydrodynamic process of generationof geomagnetic secular variations in the high-frequency spectrum range. Qualitative and quantitativeanalyses have been carried out, showing the persistency of models of the current generation, and their consistencywith the acceleration field values obtained from direct observatory observations data. The epochs ofjerks that occurred in the extended time period were refined and it was found that on the global scale theyhave quasi-decadal repeatability, through which it is possible to estimate the time characteristics of regimesof the stationary evolution of the magnetic field of the Earth’s core. An analysis of the results of spherical harmonicmodeling using the maps of the global field of accelerations showed that the origins of all identifiedjerks are of an intraterrestrial character, which also provide the specific features of their morphological structure,as well as the degree of their distribution on the Earth’s surface

Significance of Short‐Wavelength Magnetic Anomaly Low Along the East Pacific Rise Axis, 9°50′N

AbstractMagnetic anomaly variations near mid‐ocean ridge spreading centers are sensitive to a variety of crustal accretionary processes as well as geomagnetic field variations when the crust forms. We collected near‐bottom vector magnetic anomaly data during a series of 21 autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry dives near 9°50′N on the East Pacific Rise (EPR) covering ∼26 km along‐axis. These data document the 2–3 km wide axial anomaly high that is commonly observed at fast‐spreading ridges but also reveal the presence of a superimposed ∼800 m full wavelength anomaly low. The anomaly low is continuous for ≥13 km along axis and may extend over the entire survey region. A more detailed survey of hydrothermal vents near 9°50.3′N reveals ∼100 m diameter magnetic lows, which are misaligned relative to active vents and therefore cannot explain the continuous axial low. The axial magnetization low persists in magnetic inversions with variable extrusive source thickness, indicating that to the extent to which layer 2A constitutes the sole magnetic source, variations in its thickness alone cannot account for the axial low. Lava accumulation models illustrate that high geomagnetic intensity over the past ∼2.5 kyr, and decreasing intensity over the past ∼900 years, are both consistent with the broad axial anomaly high and the superimposed shorter wavelength low. The continuity of this axial low, and similar features elsewhere on the EPR suggests, that either crustal accretionary processes responsible for this anomaly are common among fast‐spread ridges, or that the observed magnetization low may partially reflect global geomagnetic intensity fluctuations.

Modeling Ring Current Proton Fluxes Using Artificial Neural Network and Van Allen Probe Measurements

AbstractTerrestrial ring current dynamics are a critical part of the near‐space environment, in that they directly drive geomagnetic field variations that control particle drifts, and define geomagnetic storms. The present study aims to specify a global and time‐varying distribution of ring current proton using geomagnetic indices and solar wind parameters with their history as input. We train an artificial neural network (ANN) model to reproduce proton fluxes measured by the Radiation Belt Storm Probes Ion Composition Experiment instrument onboard Van Allen Probes. By choosing optimal feature parameters and their history length, the model results show a high correlation and a small error between model specifications and satellite measurements. The modeled results well capture energy‐dependent proton dynamics in association with geomagnetic storms, including inward radial diffusion, acceleration and decay. Our ANN model produces proton fluxes with their corresponding 3D spatiotemporal variations, capturing the latitudinal distribution and local time asymmetry that are consistent with observations and that can further inform theory.

Magnetovariational Sounding in South Vietnam according to the Dalat Observatory Data

Abstract —This paper describes a three-dimensional inversion of magnetovariational tippers calculated for the Dalat observatory in South Vietnam on the basis of the geomagnetic variation records obtained from the INTERMAGNET network. The frequency dependences of the tippers are inverted using the ModEM software, which makes it possible to construct a geoelectric model of the Dalat zone in a 300 × 300 × 150-km spatial region (x, y, and z axes, respectively) with its center located at the observatory. The resulting model of the geoelectric section contains both surface and deep conductive blocks located at the top and bottom of the Earth’s crust and in the upper mantle. The central part of the upper local conducting block with a resistivity of 0.5–1.0 Ohm⋅m is located near the observatory at a depth of 12–14 km. A more massive conductive block is located to the east of the observatory in the coastal region. Its central part with a resistivity of 0.3 Ohm⋅m is located at a depth of 24–28 km and extends under the continent along the coast for about 80 km. The roots of this block are visible to depths of ~100 km in the South China Sea shelf region. It is assumed that the high electrical conductivity of these blocks is provided by melting in the presence of aqueous fluids and granite series rocks, which are widely distributed in the Dalat zone. The crystallization depths of the samples of these granites estimated from the geothermobarometry data are close to the depth intervals of conductive blocks in the model section, which was also observed in the interpretation of magnetotelluric soundings in Southern Tibet, where granitoid rocks are widespread.

Evolution of the Earth's magnetic field strength in northwestern Argentina during the last two millennia: Towards the improvement of south American geomagnetic paleosecular variation curve

A magnetic mineralogy and absolute geomagnetic intensity study was carried out on prehispanic ceramic fragments from the Southern Andes region (Northwest Argentina). Magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature curves and alternating field demagnetization treatments were applied to select the most suitable samples for the absolute archaeointensity experiments. A total of 66 samples were analyzed following the Thellier modified by Coe protocol, including cooling rate corrections and potential mitigation of the magnetic anisotropy effect. Thirty-eight samples (out of 66) belonging to nine pottery fragments yielded reliable absolute intensity determinations The new data, accompanied by associated radiocarbon ages, were integrated into previously published data in order to construct an improved paleosecular variation curve for South America. The highest quality data covers only the last 1000 years. The general variation patterns show good agreement with global geomagnetic prediction models. This updated regional curve may be used as the reference curve for archaeomagnetic dating in the major part of South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia), even though caution should be paid for the areas and time periods poorly covered by data.

Cosmic ray cutoff rigidity governing by solar wind and magnetosphere parameters during the 2017 Sep 6–9 solar-terrestrial event

For the 2017 Sep 6–9 geomagnetic disturbance, we calculated (within the Tsyganenko magnetospheric magnetic field model Ts01) the cosmic ray (CR) geomagnetic cutoff threshold rigidities. We also compared those values with the calculation results obtained from ground-based observations at the global network of neutron monitors (GNNM) through the spectrographic global survey (SGS). Shown is a satisfactory correlation between the geomagnetic cutoff threshold rigidity variations obtained based on the Ts01 model and those obtained from the GNNM ground-based observations. An intercorrelation of the CR geomagnetic threshold variations with the parameters for geomagnetic activity, for solar wind, and for the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was established to be different at different stages of the magnetospheric-geomagnetic disturbance. This is because such an intercorrelation is caused by the dynamics of current systems, whose intensifying and damping occur differently over different time intervals. During the storm main phase, the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity threshold variation is shown to be governed, mainly, by the Dst and by the solar wind velocity, as well as by the IMF southern component and by the electric field azimuth component.

Estimating Geomagnetically Induced Currents in Southern Brazil Using 3‐D Earth Resistivity Model

AbstractGeomagnetically induced currents (GICs) result from the interaction of the time variation of ground magnetic field during a geomagnetic disturbance with the Earth's deep electrical resistivity structure. In this study, we simulate induced GICs in a hypothetical representation of a low‐latitude power transmission network located mainly over the large Paleozoic Paraná basin (PB) in southern Brazil. Two intense geomagnetic storms in June and December 2015 are chosen and geoelectric fields are calculated by convolving a three‐dimensional (3‐D) Earth resistivity model with recorded geomagnetic variations. The dB/dt proxy often used to characterize GIC activity fails during the June storm mainly due to the relationship of the instantaneous geoelectric field to previous magnetic field values. Precise resistances of network components are unknown, so assumptions are made for calculating GIC flows from the derived geoelectric field. The largest GICs are modeled in regions of low conductance in the 3‐D resistivity model, concentrated in an isolated substation at the northern edge of the network and in a cluster of substations in its central part where the east‐west (E‐W) oriented transmission lines coincide with the orientation of the instantaneous geoelectric field. The maximum magnitude of the modeled GIC was obtained during the main phase of the June storm, modeled at a northern substation, while the lowest magnitudes were found over prominent crustal anomalies along the PB axis and bordering the continental margin. The simulation results will be used to prospect the optimal substations for installation of GIC monitoring equipment.

Колебания геомагнитного поля в диапазоне 2.5–12 Гц в F-слое ионосферы по данным спутников SWARM

We have analyzed geomagnetic variations in the 2.5–12 Hz frequency range in the ionospheric F layer above the electron density maximum, using data from two SWARM satellites. The analysis is based on the data obtained under weak and moderate magnetic activity for 12 days in September and December 2016. To separate spatial inhomogeneities from time variations of the magnetic field, we analyzed signal waveforms and cross-spectra in a 2.56 s sliding window. A maximum in the occurrence and power spectral density of the variations was found at latitudes above the polar boundary of the auroral oval, which correspond to the magnetospheric input layers and dayside polar cusp/cleft. Typical waveforms of the high-latitude variations are the wave packets lasting for 5–10 periods, recorded with a short time delay by two satellites spaced by 40–100 km. These variations might be the ionospheric manifestation of the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron waves generated at the non-equatorial magnetosphere near the polar cusp. The waveforms and cross-spectra of the variations are examined in more details for two cases with different spatial distributions of the magnetic field in the ionosphere. For the ionospheric conditions corresponding to event 1 (September 17, 80° geomagnetic latitude, afternoon sector), spatial distributions of wave magnetic field in the ionosphere and on Earth are estimated using a model of Alfvén beam with a finite radius incident on the ionosphere [Fedorov et al., 2018].

Колебания геомагнитного поля в диапазоне 2.5–12 Гц в F-слое ионосферы по данным спутников SWARM

We have analyzed geomagnetic variations in the 2.5–12 Hz frequency range in the ionospheric F layer above the electron density maximum, using data from two SWARM satellites. The analysis is based on the data obtained under weak and moderate magnetic activity for 12 days in September and December 2016. To separate spatial inhomogeneities from time variations of the magnetic field, we analyzed signal waveforms and cross-spectra in a 2.56 s sliding window. A maximum in the occurrence and power spectral density of the variations was found at latitudes above the polar boundary of the auroral oval, which correspond to the magnetospheric input layers and dayside polar cusp/cleft. Typical waveforms of the high-latitude variations are the wave packets lasting for 5–10 periods, recorded with a short time delay by two satellites spaced by 40–100 km. These variations might be the ionospheric manifestation of the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron waves generated at the non-equatorial magnetosphere near the polar cusp. The waveforms and cross-spectra of the variations are examined in more details for two cases with different spatial distributions of the magnetic field in the ionosphere. For the ionospheric conditions corresponding to event 1 (September 17, 80° geomagnetic latitude, afternoon sector), spatial distributions of wave magnetic field in the ionosphere and on Earth are estimated using a model of Alfvén beam with a finite radius incident on the ionosphere [Fedorov et al., 2018].

The decrease in diurnal oxygen production in Elodea under the influence of high geomagnetic variability: the role of light, temperature and atmospheric pressure

Epidemiological studies have indicated adverse effects of geomagnetic disturbance on human health, including increased mortality. There is evidence from plant and animal studies that help to elucidate this interaction. This study tests the hypothesis that geomagnetic disturbance affects living systems, by modifying the metabolic process of photosynthesis, in the natural environment.Continuous 24-h measurements of dissolved oxygen in flasks containing Holtfreiter’s solution and strands of healthy Elodea were recorded from May 1996, until September 1998, in an electromagnetically quiet, purpose built, garden shed environment, without mains electricity. Sensormeter recordings of oxygen, light, temperature and air pressure were uploaded weekly to a PC. The hourly total geomagnetic field measurements were obtained from the nearest observatory.Significant decrease in oxygen (diurnal volume of oxygen divided by plant mass and diurnal light), (O/WL), was found on days of high geomagnetic field variability throughout 11 recorded months of the year 1997. This result was independent of temperature and atmospheric pressure. No significant decrease in O/WL during high geomagnetic variability was found for the 7 months recorded in 1996. The 1996 and 1997 data both showed a significant decrease in the diurnal time lag between peak light and peak oxygen for diurnal high geomagnetic variability compared with low geomagnetic variability. Cross correlation analysis for 1997 and 1998 data showed a decrease in positive correlation of oxygen with light in high geomagnetic variability, compared with low geomagnetic variability, and increased positive correlation with the geomagnetic field instead. These experiments support a hypothesis of high geomagnetic field variability as a weak zeitgeber, and a metabolic depressant for photosynthetic oxygen production in plants.

Mantle-driven north–south dichotomy in geomagnetic polar minima

The geomagnetic field on the core-mantle boundary (CMB) is characterized by weak or even reversed field in the polar regions and intense flux patches at the edges of the intersection of the inner-core tangent cylinder (TC) with the CMB. This high-latitude field morphology is in agreement with thermal wind theory inside the TC in which polar upwellings disperse magnetic field lines. Furthermore, inferences from the geomagnetic secular variation hint to the presence of a westward jet at high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, also in agreement with the TC dynamical theory, but not in the southern hemisphere. Here we study polar minima in an ensemble of geomagnetic field models that span the historical era and in a set of numerical dynamo simulations with a heterogeneous outer boundary heat flux inferred from a tomographic model of lowermost mantle seismic anomalies. We quantified the polar minima using a previously-proposed expression as well as a new measure which may better capture this phenomenon. We found that throughout the historical era the geomagnetic field is characterized by stronger polar minima and more reversed flux inside the northern TC than inside the southern TC. Likewise, almost all dynamo models exhibit on average stronger polar minima in the northern hemisphere. This north/south dichotomy is explained in terms of the pattern of lowermost mantle seismic anomalies, in particular the southern centers of the two Large Low Shear-wave Velocity Provinces below Africa and the Pacific. We also investigated polar minima in planets where magnetic field models at the top of the dynamo region are available. We speculate that the absence of polar minima in Mercury’s field is likely due to the thick stratified layer at the top of its core, while the strong polar minima in Jupiter’s field might have a different dynamical origin than the geomagnetic polar minima.

Global Ionospheric Response to Intense Variations of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity According to the Data of the GNSS Global Networks of Navigation Receivers

The global response of the ionosphere to intense geomagnetic storms and variations of the solaractivity according to the solar flux F10.7 is considered. As a source of information, data on total electron content(TEC) calculated from measurements of the global network of receivers of the global navigation satellitesystems are used. Unlike many publications, where the effects of individual unique geophysical events arestudied in detail (for example, the superstorm of October 28, 2003), we considered the effects of strong storms(Dst ≤ –80 nT) starting from 2005. The main attention was paid to the dependence on the onset time of themain phase of the storm relative to local time/longitude, as well as the dependence of the intensity of the ionosphericresponse on latitude. To display the ionospheric effects of magnetic storms, a visual image was used – atwo-dimensional representation in the day-local time format, which was used to visualize ionospheric earthquakeprecursors. This approach also makes it possible to visualize the effects of solar activity variations accordingto the F10.7 index and to distinguish them from ionospheric variations during geomagnetic storms. As aresult, it was possible to create a generalized global “pattern” of a geomagnetic storm in the Earth’s ionosphere

Donbas conductivity anomaly in the Karpinsky Swell

Donbas Foldbelt (DF) and Karpinsky Swell (KS) are contiguous parts of a system of elongated sedimentary basins forming lineament from Poland through Pripyat Trough in Belarus, the Dnieper-Donets Basin (DDB) and DF in Ukraine, KS in Russia, across the Caspian Sea, through Mangyshlak in Turanian plate in Asia. In DF, the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sediments were raised, and subsequent erosion exposed the Carboniferous coal-bearing strata. In contrast to DF, the Paleozoic rocks in KS are covered by 1—3 km thick sediments of Mesozoic-Cenozoic age; productive structures of the earlier age cannot be confidently studied in KS by geological methods. So, geophysical methods are the promising approach for the KS deep structure studies. This work is devoted to electromagnetic (EM) studies of the electrical conductivity of rocks by the methods of magnetic variation profiling (MVP) and magnetotelluric sounding (MTS). Previously [Rokityansky, Tereshyn, 2022], we described the results of the EM research on DF in detail. MVP reveals the intense Donbas electrical Conductivity Anomaly (DCA) running along the main anticline of the folded Donbas. DCA parameters: maximum possible depth of the anomalous currents center h=18±2 km. Frequency response maximum Т0≈3600 s yields the total longitudinal conductance G=(8±2)∙108 S∙m. 70 MTS at periods 0.1—3000 s yield two conductive stripes, with the upper edge varying from 0.3 to 5 km. The stripes are parallel to the DCA axis and are considered as part of DCA. A very large value of G suggests that the anomalous body extends to some considerable depth. The DCA axis spatially coincides with an intense (up to 90 mW/m2) deep heat flow anomaly. Thus, the nature of the DCA lower part can be a partial melting. Theoretical estimates show that intense anomalous fields of geomagnetic variations arise over highly elongated conductors. Therefore, there is reason to expect that the anomaly continues eastward. We found two MTS profiles crossing the Karpinsky swell, and under both profiles strong conductivity anomalies are clearly seen. We re-interpreted original data and presented parameters of all 3 anomalies in an identical style. The main conclusion: the anomaly parameters on the three profiles are approximately the same, and one can assume with a high probability the existence of a single anomaly of electrical conductivity in the Donbas and Karpinsky Swell with a common length of more than 500 km and longitudinal conductance G≈8×108 S×m.

Ionospheric Currents in the Equatorial and Low Latitudes of Africa

The magnetometer data obtained for 2008 from geomagnetic stations installed across Africa by magnetic data acquisition set (MAGDAS) have been used to study the ionospheric Sq current system in the equatorial and lowlatitudes of Africa. The aim of this work is to separate the quiet-day feld variations obtained in the equatorial and low latitude regions of Africa into their external and internal feld contributions and then to use the paired external and internal coeffcients of the SHAto determine the source current and induced currents. The method used involved a spherical harmonic analysis (SHA). This was applied in the separation of the internal and external field/current contribution to the Sq variations. The result shows that the variation in the currents is seen to be a dawn-to-dusk phenomenon with the variation in the external currents different from that of the internal currents both in amplitude and in phase. Furthermore, the seasonal variation in the external current maximizes during the March equinox and minimizes during the December solstice. The maximum current observed in AAB and ILR is due to the Equatorial Electrojet Current present in the AAB and ILR stations. Seasonal variation was observed in the geomagnetic component variations as well as in the currents. This is attributed to the position of the sun with respect to the earth at different months of the year. The equinoctial maximum is observed in external current intensity which occurred mostly during the March Equinox.

Investigation of the Geomagnetically Induced Current Index Levels in the Mediterranean Region During the Strongest Magnetic Storms of Solar Cycle 24

AbstractGeomagnetically induced currents (GICs) constitute an integral part of space weather research and are a subject of ever‐growing attention for countries located in the low and middle latitudes. A series of recent studies highlights the importance of considering GIC risks for the Mediterranean region. Here, we exploit data from the HellENIc GeoMagnetic Array, which is deployed in Greece, complemented by magnetic observatories in the Mediterranean region (Italy, France, Spain, Algeria, and Turkey), to calculate values of the GIC index, that is, a proxy of the geoelectric field calculated entirely from geomagnetic field variations. We perform our analysis for the most intense magnetic storms (Dst < −150 nT) of solar cycle 24. Our results show that GIC index increases are well correlated with storm sudden commencements. However, the GIC indices do not exceed “low” activity levels despite the increases in their values, at all magnetic stations/observatories under study during the selected storm events.

ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE FREQUENCY OF THE FUNDAMENTAL <sub>0</sub>S<sub>2</sub> MODE AND THE VELOCITY OF THE EARTH ROTATION

Based on the results of instrumental observations of geomagnetic variations at the Mikhnevo observatory of the IDG RAS and data from the IERS catalog, it was found that the frequency F of the main spheroidal mode of the Earth’s natural oscillations 0S2, distinguished in the spectra of magnetic field variations, changes with time, and the values of F are higher during periods of a decrease in the rotation speed Earth and below with its increase, An empirical relationship between the variations of F and the speed of the Earth’s rotation is obtained,

The 14 December 2020 Total Solar Eclipse Effects on Geomagnetic Field Variations and Plasma Density Over South America

AbstractWe discuss the effects in the geomagnetic field variations and ionospheric plasma density modifications caused by the Total Solar Eclipse that occurred on 14 December 2020 over the South American sector. We used ground‐based magnetometer data and the Total Electron Content maps derived from the Global Navigation Satellite System to evaluate these changes. The results show that the geomagnetic field daily variation weakens between the first and last solar eclipse penumbra contact. Additionally, we observed a significant reduction of about 52.33 nT on the Equatorial Electrojet strength at Jicamarca (11.95°S, 76.88°W), where the solar obscuration reached 16.67% approximately. This behavior indicates that the solar eclipse in the equatorial region has possibly affected electric conductivities, altering the E region dynamo electric field. Consequently, it weakens the equatorial plasma fountain, affecting the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly development. Additionally, the ionospheric dynamics variations over Jicamarca during the solar eclipse event are analyzed using ionosonde data. We observe that the solar eclipse also caused a modification in the sporadic E layer and F region dynamics, indicating possible evidence of the gravity wave occurrence. Therefore, the results found here provide a better understanding of how the solar eclipse passage in the equatorial region affects the electron density in the low‐latitude regions.

Climatological predictions of the auroral zone locations driven by moderate and severe space weather events

Auroral zones are regions where, in an average sense, aurorae due to solar activity are most likely spotted. Their shape and, similarly, the geographical locations most vulnerable to extreme space weather events (which we term ‘danger zones’) are modulated by Earth’s time-dependent internal magnetic field whose structure changes on yearly to decadal timescales. Strategies for mitigating ground-based space weather impacts over the next few decades can benefit from accurate forecasts of this evolution. Existing auroral zone forecasts use simplified assumptions of geomagnetic field variations. By harnessing the capability of modern geomagnetic field forecasts based on the dynamics of Earth’s core we estimate the evolution of the auroral zones and of the danger zones over the next 50 years. Our results predict that space-weather related risk will not change significantly in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Mid-to-high latitude cities such as Edinburgh, Copenhagen and Dunedin will remain in high-risk regions. However, northward change of the auroral and danger zones over North America will likely cause urban centres such as Edmonton and Labrador City to be exposed by 2070 to the potential impact of severe solar activity.

Characterization of the geomagnetic H-component for a paired station in Africa

This scientific research investigates the quiet days variation, Sq(H) of H- component of geomagnetic field for the paired stations: Aswan (ASW: G.G.Lat.24.090N, G.G.Lon.32.890E and G.M.Lat.15.200, G.M.Lon.104.240),Durban (DRB: G.G.Lat.29.860S, G.G.Lon.31.020E and G.M.Lat.39.210, G.M.Lon.96.10) located along the 960 MM (magnetic meridian) using the ten international quietest days’ geomagnetic data from MAGDAS for the year 2009 (a low activity year).The study reveals that sq(H) shows predominantly the diurnal, monthly and seasonal variations of the geomagnetic H-component during the quiet days year round. With maximum amplitude of sq(H) in ASW and minimum in DRB. Meanwhile, the CEJ seen as negative depressions in the H-component of earth field at DRB are all salient physical processes in this study. Further data analysis also revealed many other interesting characteristics for the Sq(H) over African sector paired station. The conclusion drawn from the study shows that the geomagnetic field variations in the northern hemisphere are higher due to solar activities in the region. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, so this area of the Earth receives more direct sunlight during the day than the Southern Hemisphere does. The Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, is tilted away from the sun and thus receives the sun's rays at an angle, which significantly explains why there is a consistent decrease when it reaches the Durban station (southern hemisphere station), hence the solar activity of the sun influences the Earth’s magnetic field, and the upper atmosphere(ionosphere).