Schumann Resonances and the Earth-Ionosphere

Scott Kiefer

Mentor: Professor Victor Pasko

 

            The cavity between the earth and the ionosphere can be approximated as a cylindrical waveguide, allowing electromagnetic waves to travel around the earth.  The conductivity of the medium quickly dissipates high-frequency waves, however low-frequency waves in the range of 5-50 Hz are capable of circling the earth multiple times before dissipating considerably.  The electromagnetic spectrum in this range is mainly comprised of resonant waves from thunderstorms, better known as Schumann resonances.  My research consists of interpreting finite difference time domain data of the electromagnetic field in this region and making more accurate calculations of the resonant frequencies using the Cauchy approximation method.  Using this data, the changing temperature and conductivity profile of the earths atmosphere can be more accurately analyzed.