Schumann Resonance Modes and Ionosphere Parameters: An Annual Variability Comparison

Abstract

Schumann resonance (SR) signals result from an electromagnetic wave that propagates along the Earth-ionosphere cavity. This signal is mainly characterized by the amplitude and frequency of the first modes; however, the relation with other variables that affect the Earth-ionosphere cavity is still undiscovered. In this article, this relation is further explored with a methodology based on the usage of the first six SR modes and focusing on separating the data by the hour of the day. In this research, SR data is cross-correlated with 14 variables that affect the electromagnetic cavity. The result shows preliminary evidence about the relationship between SR data and ionospheric-related variables such as the virtual height of each ionospheric layer or solar flux. The research outcome also provides substantial support for the importance of aggregating all the information contained in the first six modes and also reinforces the previous evidence about the significance of separating the SR variation by 24 h to avoid the masking effect produced by the daily variability. This work also gives new perspectives for predictors based on SR modes.