Schumann Resonance Frequency Research Articles

How Do Schumann Resonance Frequency Changes in the Vertical Electric Field Component Reflect Global Lightning Dynamics at Different Time Scales?

AbstractThe electromagnetic waves in the Schumann resonance (SR) frequency range (<100 Hz) radiated by natural “lightning antennas” excite the Earth‐ionosphere cavity confined between the Earth's surface and the lower ionosphere. The peak frequencies of SR are known to vary with source‐observer distance (SOD), while the daily frequency range (DFR: fmax − fmin) is also indicative of the average size of thunderstorm regions. This paper provides observational evidence for these relationships based on SR frequency observations of the vertical electric (EZ) field component at Nagycenk (NCK), Hungary in Central Europe from the period 1994–2015. Variations of the peak frequencies are considered on the annual, seasonal and diurnal time scales as well as during a specific event when squall‐line formation of lightning activity in South America moves toward NCK. DFR is studied in relation to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Increasing area of lightning activity in mid‐high Northern hemisphere latitudes has been identified by DFR variations during the transition from warm to cold episodes of the ENSO in 1998 and 2010. The extension of the lightning area is considered as a consequence of energy released in the tropics and exported to higher latitudes with some months of delay from the end of the El Niño episodes. The frequency variations are interpreted via model calculations and supported with satellite‐based optical lightning observations (Optical Transient Detector, Geostationary Lightning Mapper). The described variations of SR peak frequencies and DFR yield information on the global/regional lightning dynamics and on this basis they have important application to climate issues as well.

Influence of ionospheric resonators on daily dynamics of the first Schumann resonance spectral parameters according to data from a meridional chain of ULF magnetometers

We have experimentally studied the influence of the local ionosphere, namely the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) and the lower ionospheric resonator at altitudes 80–300 km (sub-IAR) on the amplitude and polarization of the first Schumann resonance. The study is based on spectral analysis of data from simultaneous monitoring of ULF magnetic noise components at a meridional chain of stations: high-latitude stations Barentsburg and Lovozero, mid-latitude observatory NNGU NIRFI (NL, Nizhny Novgorod Region), a low-latitude station in Israel. We have also used monitoring data from the Borok and Crete observatories. At the stations in dark conditions, significant variations were found in the spectrum of the polarization parameter ε at the frequency of the first Schumann resonance (SR). Moreover, these variations had different character at different observatories. Analysis of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε has shown that these variations are associated with the influence of local sub-IAR having different optical thickness and quality factor at these observatories. The influence of sub-IAR on polarization in the SR band was found to depend on the ratio of the boundary frequency fb (the frequency that separates the negative and positive polarization of ULF magnetic noise) to the frequency of the first SR. The IAR influence on the polarization and amplitude of magnetic fields in the frequency band of the first Schumann resonance was discovered only at the NL and Lovozero stations: a high-quality Alfvén resonator in the ionosphere above the NL station could cause the SR frequency band to change and its central frequency to shift. Analysis of low-frequency data from the observatories separated by distances of 400 km has revealed that the influence of local ionospheric resonators can lead to a difference in the amplitude characteristics of the first SR even at such distances. It has also been shown that the influence of the IAR and sub-IAR resonators on the azimuthal angle of the magnetic field vector in the frequency band of the first SR is less noticeable and can generate variations in this parameter by 10°–20°. Numerical calculations performed for the spherical waveguide model made it possible to adequately interpret the features of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε in the frequency range of the first SR.

Влияние ионосферных резонаторов на суточную динамику спектральных параметров первого шумановс-кого резонанса по данным меридиональной сети УНЧ-магнито-метров

We have experimentally studied the influence of the local ionosphere, namely the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) and the lower ionospheric resonator at altitudes 80–300 km (sub-IAR) on the amplitude and polarization of the first Schumann resonance. The study is based on spectral analysis of data from simultaneous monitoring of ULF magnetic noise components at a meridional chain of stations: high-latitude stations Barentsburg and Lovozero, mid-latitude observatory NNGU NIRFI (NL, Nizhny Novgorod Region), a low-latitude station in Israel. We have also used monitoring data from the Borok and Crete observatories. At the stations in dark conditions, significant variations were found in the spectrum of the polarization parameter ε at the frequency of the first Schumann resonance (SR). Moreover, these variations had different character at different observatories. Analysis of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε has shown that these variations are associated with the influence of local sub-IAR having different optical thickness and quality factor at these observatories. The influence of sub-IAR on polarization in the SR band was found to depend on the ratio of the boundary frequency fb (the frequency that separates the negative and positive polarization of ULF magnetic noise) to the frequency of the first SR. The IAR influence on the polarization and amplitude of magnetic fields in the frequency band of the first Schumann resonance was discovered only at the NL and Lovozero stations: a high-quality Alfvén resonator in the ionosphere above the NL station could cause the SR frequency band to change and its central frequency to shift. Analysis of low-frequency data from the observatories separated by distances of 400 km has revealed that the influence of local ionospheric resonators can lead to a difference in the amplitude characteristics of the first SR even at such distances. It has also been shown that the influence of the IAR and sub-IAR resonators on the azimuthal angle of the magnetic field vector in the frequency band of the first SR is less noticeable and can generate variations in this parameter by 10°–20°. Numerical calculations performed for the spherical waveguide model made it possible to adequately interpret the features of the daily dynamics of the parameter ε in the frequency range of the first SR.

Response of photosynthesis and electrical reactions of wheat plants upon the action of magnetic fields in the Schumann resonance frequency band

ABSTRACT Alternating magnetic fields (MF) with Schumann resonance frequencies accompanied the development of living organisms throughout evolution, but today it remains unclear whether they can have a special biological effect in comparison with surrounding non-resonant frequencies. This work shows some stimulating effect of extremely low-frequency MFs on morphometric parameters and the activity of physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It is shown that the MF effect is more pronounced for transient processes – photosynthesis reactions and changes in electrical potential caused by turning on light. For light-induced electrical reactions, the dependence of the severity of the effect on the frequency of the applied MF was demonstrated. It is shown that the most pronounced effect occurs in the 14.3 Hz field, which corresponds to the second harmonic of the Schumann resonance. The predominant sensitivity of signal-regulatory systems gives reason to assume the influence of MFs with Schumann resonance frequencies on the interaction of plants with environmental factors under conditions of a changed electromagnetic environment. Such conditions can occur, for example, with an increase in lightning activity caused by climate change, which serves as the basis for the generation of Schumann resonances, and with the development of artificial ecosystems outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

A Novel Population of Slow Magnetosonic Waves and a Method for the Observation of the Roots of Plasma Bubbles in the Lower Ionosphere

AbstractUsing data from the Van Allen Probe and Swarm‐Bravo satellites, evidence for a persistent population of slow magnetosonic waves in the ionosphere is presented. Dispersion relations from two‐fluid analyses of waves in warm plasma are used to interpret and explicate these observations. These waves appear to be continuously present and globally distributed. Their amplitudes systematically decrease with increasing altitude. The amplitudes are also correlated with longitude in a manner consistent with the global distribution of lightning strikes. Evidence for narrow resonances in the Swarm data consistent with doppler shifted Schumann resonance frequencies is presented. In addition, nearly dispersionless fast magnetosonic waves are sometimes also seen. A new method for the analysis of these waves suggests they show the existence of “foamy” plasma bubble “roots” at the base of the ionosphere.

Changing the paradigm of education in the conditions of today’s challenges

The article presents the results of the analysis of the current state of education in Ukraine and in the world. The beginning of the 21st century is characterized by extremely intensive changes at all levels of human life and the surrounding environment. Revolutionary scientific discoveries, the development of electronics and computer technology are changing the world beyond recognition and are already shaping the image of the 21st century. Political and social living conditions are also changing, pandemics, military conflicts lead to psychological and moral tension... In addition to anthropogenic changes, cosmic and planetary changes are taking place. For example, the so-called Schumann resonance frequency was unchanged on our planet for many centuries. This is the natural oscillation of the Earth (pulse of the earth) - a low-frequency wave that has begun to change in the last 20 years. External changes cause internal changes. The Schchumann resonance, and possibly other cosmic phenomena, affect a person and his health, accelerate the processes of change on the planet and in the human body. Thus, it is natural that children born in new conditions differ from their parents. It is clear that training for them should be different. At this stage, training methods do not have time to change and meet the challenges of today. The article presents the paradigms of changes in the system of education, training and upbringing of the younger generation in the period of rapid changes.

A Machine Learning hourly analysis on the relation the Ionosphere and Schumann Resonance Frequency

The Schumann Resonances arise from the constructive interference of dozens of near-simultaneous lightning strikes every second, mostly located in the tropics. Characterizing the Schumann Resonance signal variation is a complex task due to the number of variables affecting the electromagnetic composition of the ionosphere and the Earth. We describe a novel approach for investigating the behavior of this variation by focusing on specific hours of the day. This study further explores this preliminary influence by means of a machine learning framework composed of six conceptually different algorithms. Fourteen external variables, related to the ionosphere condition, are considered as the predictors for the monthly Schumann Resonance frequency variation along five years of real data, for each of the first six modes and separated by the hour of the day. The results provide a clear evidence of the importance of selecting a particular hour to observe the influence of the Ionosphere parameters on the Schumann Resonance frequency variation.

Investigation of the Reaction of Schumann Resonances to Short Transient Geophysical Events Under the Influence of Atmospheric Electromagnetic Noise

AbstractThe interference of electromagnetic signals from lightning discharges in the frequency range below 100 Hz is the source of a global electromagnetic phenomenon in the Earth's atmosphere known as the Schumann resonance (SR). Changes in the parameters of SR signals caused by geophysical disturbances make it possible to study the state and dynamics of the lower ionosphere. When calculating the SR parameters, there are problems associated with the impact of electromagnetic interference of natural and anthropogenic origin. The main natural sources of interference are signals associated with the radiation of nearby lightning discharges, as well as the influence of the Alfvén ionospheric resonator. The paper presents a new method for calculating the SR parameters, which makes it possible to find the spectra distorted by interference, mention above, and exclude them from further processing. The developed technique significantly increased the temporal resolution of the obtained data on the frequency and amplitude of the SR. Due to this, it became possible to study the influence of fast heliogeophysical disturbances (such as solar X‐ray flares) on the lower ionosphere and, as a consequence, on the parameters of the SR. An analysis of the experimental data made it possible to establish a linear dependence of the SR frequency on the logarithm of the X‐ray flux in the range up to 0.2 nm during a class X solar flare.

CORRELATION ANALYSIS BETWEEN SCHUMANN RESONANCE FREQUENCIES AND Dst, Kp

In this study, the relationship between Schumann resonance frequencies (SRF) and the Geomagnetic indices (Dst, kp) was statically inquired. The relationship between the data of Schuman resonance frequencies for the first five months of 2016 and the values of hourly average of Dst and three-hour average of Kp was determined by applying the correlation analysis separately. The highest correlation coefficients are found -12.4% for SRF-Dst at 35 Hz, -11.6% for SRF-Kp*10 at 7 Hz.

Change in H+ Transport across Thylakoid Membrane as Potential Mechanism of 14.3 Hz Magnetic Field Impact on Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Seedlings of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Natural and artificial extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELFMFs) are important factors influencing physiological processes in living organisms including terrestrial plants. Earlier, it was experimentally shown that short-term and long-term treatments by ELFMFs with Schumann resonance frequencies (7.8, 14.3, and 20.8 Hz) influenced parameters of photosynthetic light reactions in wheat leaves. The current work is devoted to an analysis of potential ways of this ELFMF influence on the light reactions. Only a short-term wheat treatment by 14.3 Hz ELFMF was used in the analysis. First, it was experimentally shown that ELFMF-induced changes (an increase in the effective quantum yield of photosystem II, a decrease in the non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, a decrease in time of changes in these parameters, etc.) were observed under the action of ELFMF with widely ranging magnitudes (from 3 to 180 µT). In contrast, the potential quantum yield of photosystem II and time of relaxation of the energy-dependent component of the non-photochemical quenching were not significantly influenced by ELFMF. Second, it was shown that the ELFMF treatment decreased the proton gradient across the thylakoid membrane. In contrast, the H+ conductivity increased under this treatment. Third, an analysis of the simplest mathematical model of an H+ transport across the thylakoid membrane, which was developed in this work, showed that changes in H+ fluxes related to activities of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and the H+-ATP synthase were not likely a mechanism of the ELFMF influence. In contrast, changes induced by an increase in an additional H+ flux (probably, through the proton leakage and/or through the H+/Ca2+ antiporter activity in the thylakoid membrane) were in good accordance with experimental results. Thus, we hypothesized that this increase is the mechanism of the 14.3 Hz ELFMF influence (and, maybe, influences of other low frequencies) on photosynthetic light reactions in wheat.

Influence of Magnetic Field with Schumann Resonance Frequencies on Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Wheat and Pea.

Photosynthesis is an important target of action of numerous environmental factors; in particular, stressors can strongly affect photosynthetic light reactions. Considering relations of photosynthetic light reactions to electron and proton transport, it can be supposed that extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) may influence these reactions; however, this problem has been weakly investigated. In this paper, we experimentally tested a hypothesis about the potential influence of ELFMF of 18 µT intensity with Schumann resonance frequencies (7.8, 14.3, and 20.8 Hz) on photosynthetic light reactions in wheat and pea seedlings. It was shown that ELFMF decreased non-photochemical quenching in wheat and weakly influenced quantum yield of photosystem II at short-term treatment; in contrast, the changes in potential and effective quantum yields of photosystem II were observed mainly under chronic action of ELFMF. It is interesting that both short-term and chronic treatment decreased the time periods for 50% activation of quantum yield and non-photochemical quenching under illumination. Influence of ELFMF on pea was not observed at both short-term and chronic treatment. Thus, we showed that ELFMF with Schumann resonance frequencies could influence photosynthetic light processes; however, this effect depends on plant species (wheat or pea) and type of treatment (short-term or chronic).

A Multivariable, Two-Dimensional Plot of Electromagnetic, Electric Field and Seismic Information for the Characterization of Earthquake Precursors

Removal of the electrical shielding from a type of Fourier transform seismometer overlays seismic information with Extremely Low Frequency-range (ELF) electromagnetic signals between about 0.3 Hz and 36 Hz (the ITU-designated range of ELF is 3 to 30 Hz). The observed signals originate in the electric power grid, shown clearly by the fact that they are sum and difference heterodyne products with the power grid’s higher harmonics of 60 Hz, typically the 36th and 37th, because the seismometer’s chosen frequency modulation (FM) carrier frequency is roughly 2200 Hz. It is especially interesting that on 2017-03-19, prior to 14:25:12 UTC, the instrument recorded an 11 minute sequence of 20.3 Hz ELF outbursts that culminated intimately with a 3.2 magnitude earthquake located a few miles west of Bardwell KY. These ~20.3 Hz ELF signals, very near the third Schumann resonance frequency, have been recorded numerous times. They are distinctive and fairly strong, ranging 15 to 30 db or more above the noise floor, but definitely not an every-day event; months can pass without them. So far most of these ELF signals do not have an intimately associated earthquake, with the event of 2017-03-19 being one of only two exceptions recorded thus far. That quake’s location was more than one hundred miles from the instrument, in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). The second case, a quake in Kansas, was about three times farther from the instrument, and its ELF signals were correspondingly weaker. Those other, unassociated electromagnetic events might come from quakes too weak to detect, but it should be noted that stronger, easily detected quakes also rarely exhibit any ELF/seismic “connectivity”. This paper describes an instrument that overlays ELF, electric field and seismic signals. The instrument’s two-dimensional (2D) output has a time axis (horizontal) resolution of ~3 seconds and an ELF frequency (vertical) resolution of ~0.3 Hz.

Analysis of the effects of geomagnetic storms in the Schumann Resonance station data in Mexico

To assess the effect of geomagnetically disturbed days on the amplitudes of the first three modes of the Schumann Resonance (SR), we analyzed 14-day periods of data around the day of a geomagnetic storm (GS) event. We considered Dst indices lower than ~ −70 nT corresponding to moderate to severe geomagnetic storms. To compare the behavior of the SR signal between days without disturbances in the geomagnetic field (quiet days) and days when a GS occurred (disturbed days), we analyzed data for the years 2015–2017 finding five 14-day periods of SR recorded data that were adequate to perform the analysis. In all cases we found a statistically significant increase (>1 sigma) during the geomagnetically perturbed days in the averaged amplitude of the three main SR frequencies of the horizontal magnetic field components. Such increase may be affected by other natural phenomena, such as lightning activity, measured by a local electric field monitor, or earthquake occurrence. We used data of a SR station located in Coeneo, Michoacán, México (geographic coordinates 19° 48′ 19″ N, 101° 41′ 39″ W; magnetic coordinates 29° N, 174° W; 1964 m asl).

Effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on B16F10 cancer cells

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a method to inhibit B16F10 cancer cells using extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) and to evaluate cell viability using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The study examined the effect of a natural EMF resonance frequency (7.83 Hz) and a power line frequency (60 Hz) on B16F10 cancer cells for 24 and 48 h. The B16F10 cancer cells were also exposed to sweep frequencies in several sweep intervals to quantitatively analyze the viability of cancer cells. The results yielded a 17% inhibition rate under 7.83 Hz compared with that of the control group. Moreover, sweep frequencies in narrow intervals (7.83 ± 0.1 Hz for the step 0.05 Hz) caused an inhibition rate of 26.4%, and inhibitory effects decreased as frequency sweep intervals increased. These results indicate that a Schumann resonance frequency of 7.83 Hz can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and that using a specific frequency type can lead to more effective growth inhibition.

Schumann resonance frequency and conductivity in the nighttime ionosphere of Mars: A source for lightning

We have solved the Maxwellian equations of electromagnetic waves which oscillate within the cavity formed in the lower ionosphere of Mars between 0 and 70 km. The electrical conductivity and Schumann Resonance (SR) frequencies are calculated in the lower ionosphere of Mars, in the presence of a major dust storm that occurred in Martian Year (MY) 25 at low latitude region (25°–35°S). It is found that the atmospheric conductivity reduced by one to two orders of magnitude in the presence of a dust storm. It represents a small dust layer at about 25–30 km altitudes where lightning can occur. We also found that the SR frequencies peak at ∼18 km with values 19.9, 34.5 and 48.8 Hz for the modes l = 1, 2 and 3, respectively, in the non-homogeneous medium. Our results indicate that practical or measurable values of SR are dependent on the altitudes.

The local earth magnetic field changes impact on weekly hospitalization due to unstable angina pectoris

Objectives: Acute coronary syndrome as an acute oxygenated blood deprivation to the heart muscle due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture in the coronary artery followed by thrombosis is possibly associated with changes in the Earth’s local time varying magnetic field as they strongly influence hormonal and other regulatory systems’ activity. This study analyses the correlation between prevalence of the acute coronary syndrome and the changes in the local time varying aspects of the magnetic field. Methods: Seven-hundred patients admitted to Cardiology Department of Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics within 2016 due to acute coronary syndrome were retrospectively included into the study. The number of cases per week was compared with the weekly changes of the local Earth magnetic field. The one-year period was divided into two periods: the first-half of the year (weeks 1 to 26) and the second-half of the year (weeks 27 to 52) and more detailed analyses were performed accordingly to the significance of the left main artery lesion. Mean power of local magnetic field fluctuations in Lithuania, measured in pT2 in five different frequency ranges where overlaps between the Schumann resonance and EEG frequency ranges (named as SDelta (0-3.5 Hz), STheta (3.5-7 Hz), SAlpha (7-15 Hz), SBeta (15-32 Hz) and SGamma (32-66 Hz) to distinguish them from the EEG bands). Results: Statistically significant weak and moderate correlations between weekly prevalence of acute coronary syndrome admissions and the magnetic field intensities changes were found. Higher intensities in the SBeta and SGamma ranges were associated with a higher number of admissions throughout the year in females and the SGamma range was associated with higher number of admission only during the second-half of the year in males. A higher intensity magnetic field in SDelta, STheta, SAlpha and SBeta ranges was associated with a higher admissions number due to left main artery lesions in males, while a higher intensity in the SGamma range was associated with higher number of admissions due to left main artery lesions in females through the year. Conclusion: Significant correlation between acute coronary syndrome and changes in the local Earth time varying magnetic field intensities was found. Some frequency ranges are associated with an episode of an acute coronary syndrome. Left main artery lesions significantly correlated with magnetic field changes in most of the frequency ranges in males while only one of the frequency ranges in females.

Модификации проводимости средней атмосферы во время внезапных ионосферных возмущений и изменения пиковых частот шумановского резонанса

Модификации проводимости средней атмосферы во время внезапных ионосферных возмущений и изменения пиковых частот шумановского резонанса

Amplitude variations of ELF radio waves in the Earth–ionosphere cavity with the day–night non-uniformity

The real structure of lower ionosphere should be taken into account when modeling the sub–ionospheric radio propagation in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band and studying the global electromagnetic (Schumann) resonance of the Earth–ionosphere cavity. In the present work we use the 2D (two dimensional) telegraph equations (2DTE) for evaluating the effect of the ionosphere day-night non-uniformity on the electromagnetic field amplitude at the Schumann resonance and higher frequencies. Properties of the cavity upper boundary were taken into account by the full wave solution technique for realistic vertical profiles of atmosphere conductivity in the ambient day and ambient night conditions. We solved the electromagnetic problem in a cavity with the day–night non-uniformity by using the 2DTE technique. Initially, the testing of the 2DTE solution was performed in the model of the sharp day–night interface. The further computations were carried out in the model of the smooth day–night transition. The major attention was directed to the effects at propagation paths "perpendicular" or "parallel" to the solar terminator line. Data were computed for a series of frequencies, the comparison of the results was made and interpretation was given to the observed effects.

Schumann resonance parameters at Kuju station during solar flares

We examined the Schumann resonance (SR) at low-latitude station KUJ by comparing with solar X-ray flux and solar proton flux at a geostationary orbit. For intense solar activity in October-November 2003, the reaction of the SR frequency to X-ray enhancement and SPEs was different. The SR frequency in H component increased at the time of the Xray enhancement. The response of SR seems to be caused by the increase of the electron density in the ionospheric D region which ionized by the enhanced solar X-ray flux. In the case of the SPEs, the SR frequency in D component decreased with enhancement of solar proton flux. We suggest that the SPEs caused the decrease of altitude on the ionopheric D region at high-latitude region, and the SR frequency decreased.

MODIFICATIONS OF MESOSPHERIC CONDUCTIVITY IN SUDDEN IONOSPHERE DISTURBANCES AND CHANGES OF THE SCHUMANN RESONANCE FREQUENCIES

We present a technique for detecting modifications of the peak frequencies of Schumann resonance during the sudden ionospheric disturbances (SID) caused by the solar X-ray flares. A SID is associated with a sharp lowering of ionosphere at the sunlit hemisphere during the solar flares, which decreases the average ionosphere height increases Schumann resonance frequencies. The resonance frequencies and the characteristic heights of ionosphere are computed using the full wave solution for SID of different intensity. Power spectra of EZ field are computed using the 2D telegraph equations for the uniform distribution of thunderstorms in the cavity for several observer positions relative to the solar terminator. The weighted average frequency was found and linear dependence was found of this frequency on the SID intensity and/or on alteration of magnetic characteristic height. Results might be used in interpretations of Schumann resonance observations and estimation of ionosphere modification.