An investigation of Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) pulsations was conducted using data

The magnetosphere-ionosphere contains a number of current systems. These currents vary on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and physically couple with each other. To study the complicated behaviors of these coupled current systems, the ground-based magnetometer has been a useful tool, but the recorded magnetometer data are always multi-scaled and intermittent due to the nature of these current systems. To distinguish these geomagnetic effects with multiple temporal and frequency scales, the wavelet analysis technique is especially suitable because of its special abilities of presenting information in both temporal and frequency domains. In this dissertation, the geomagnetic disturbances and the ring current variability during storm and quiet times are studied by using wavelet analysis and ground-based magnetic data from multiple stations. The first part of this dis- sertation investigates the strengths of applying the wavelet procedure to geomagnetic data for ring current study during storm and quiet periods. The second part of this dissertation characterizes the geomagnetic effects caused by symmetric and asymmetric components of ring currents during storm and quiet times by applying wavelet analysis to geomagnetic data from multiple stations. The third part of this dissertation studies the spatial variabil- ity of the symmetric ring current by applying the wavelet analysis technique to multiple components of magnetic data from multiple stations. The results show the unique strengths of the wavelet method allow us to quantitatively distinguish the geomagnetic effects on ring current variations from other M-I current systems. The unique strengths of wavelet method also allow us to separate the magnetic effects of the symmetric ring current from those caused by the asymmetric ring current. Quantitative information of the spatial variability of the ring currents is essential for understanding the dynamics of the ring currents, as well as the magnetic storm processes. The techniques developed in this dissertation have potential values as space weather monitoring tools for satellite controls, power grids, com- munication systems, oil pipelines, and other high-tech systems that are vulnerable to the negative impacts of disruptive geomagnetic events.

The Jurassic Quiet Zone (JQZ) is a region of low amplitude, difficult-to-correlate magnetic anomalies located over Jurassic oceanic crust. We collected 1200 km of new deep-tow magnetic anomaly profiles over the Pacific JQZ that complement 2 deep-tow profiles reported in Sager et al. (1998). Our primary goals were to extend the correlation of deep-tow magnetic anomalies farther back in time, to evaluate the correlatability and repeatability of anomalies, and to refine the Jurassic geomagnetic polarity reversal time scale (GPTS). Correlations of anomalies were excellent over M34 and over supposedly older seafloor to the south of ODP Site 801. In contrast, the correlation in the region between M34 and Site 801 was difficult. Using anomaly correlation models, we made magnetic polarity block models to establish a revised Jurassic GPTS extending until 169.4 Ma. Age calibration was accomplished with radiometric dates from two ODP holes. Systematic changes in anomaly amplitudes occur along the survey lines with the amplitudes decreasing backward in time and then increasing again in the oldest part of survey area. The zone of the most difficult to correlate anomalies corresponds to a period of ~4 m.y. that appears to have an abrupt end. This low amplitude zone suggests unusual magnetic behavior during the Jurassic. It has been said that many of the larger anomalies are likely caused by changes in polarity, whereas smaller anomalies may be intensity fluctuations. Although it is impossible to identify which anomalies are caused by reversals and which are not, magnetization structures observed in ODP Hole 801C suggest that many of the smallest anomalies, particularly around Hole 801C indicate polarity reversals. We concluded that (1) the new data demonstrates repeatability and correlatability of the JQZ magnetic anomalies implying that they are seafloor spreading lineations and (2) good correlations made new GPTS models extending back to 169.4 Ma; and (3) the origin of the JQZ may be a combination of rapid polarity reversals in the Jurassic low magnetic dipole field and closely spaced, tilted magnetization structure in the oceanic crust.

The Jurassic Quiet Zone (JQZ) is a region of low amplitude, difficult-to-correlate magnetic anomalies located over Jurassic oceanic crust. We collected 1200 km of new deep-tow magnetic anomaly profiles over the Pacific JQZ that complement 2 deep-tow profiles reported in Sager et al. (1998). Our primary goals were to extend the correlation of deep-tow magnetic anomalies farther back in time, to evaluate the correlatability and repeatability of anomalies, and to refine the Jurassic geomagnetic polarity reversal time scale (GPTS). Correlations of anomalies were excellent over M34 and over supposedly older seafloor to the south of ODP Site 801. In contrast, the correlation in the region between M34 and Site 801 was difficult. Using anomaly correlation models, we made magnetic polarity block models to establish a revised Jurassic GPTS extending until 169.4 Ma. Age calibration was accomplished with radiometric dates from two ODP holes. Systematic changes in anomaly amplitudes occur along the survey lines with the amplitudes decreasing backward in time and then increasing again in the oldest part of survey area. The zone of the most difficult to correlate anomalies corresponds to a period of ~4 m.y. that appears to have an abrupt end. This low amplitude zone suggests unusual magnetic behavior during the Jurassic. It has been said that many of the larger anomalies are likely caused by changes in polarity, whereas smaller anomalies may be intensity fluctuations. Although it is impossible to identify which anomalies are caused by reversals and which are not, magnetization structures observed in ODP Hole 801C suggest that many of the smallest anomalies, particularly around Hole 801C indicate polarity reversals. We concluded that (1) the new data demonstrates repeatability and correlatability of the JQZ magnetic anomalies implying that they are seafloor spreading lineations and (2) good correlations made new GPTS models extending back to 169.4 Ma; and (3) the origin of the JQZ may be a combination of rapid polarity reversals in the Jurassic low magnetic dipole field and closely spaced, tilted magnetization structure in the oceanic crust.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 84-94).

Determination of Earth geomagnetic field parameters and research of their variation is an actual and complex problem of natural science. It is related to knowledge of the state of natural physical system outer parameters of present geophysical and geodynamical processes. Variation of geomagnetic field is continuous process evident in different Earth surface places but in different ways. It can be determined by precise measurements. Precise repeated observations of geomagnetic field parameters at repeat stations is one of basic methods. For determination of certain epoch geomagnetic field parameters, detailed information on geomagnetic field and its variations is necessary. Data of geomagnetic field research is used for solution of different theoretical and practical tasks. Data is important for solving tasks of navigation, geophysics, geodynamics, explorations of minerals. According requirements of NATO and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) – parameters of geomagnetic field are presented on the topographic maps and navigation charts of the air ports. Compass or director is used in geodesy for orientation, when instrument arrow is oriented along lines of geomagnetic field. Information on geomagnetic declination is necessary for direction determination in this case. Value of declination and its annual change is presented on topographical maps. Geomagnetic and gravimetric data are useful for exploration of minerals. Gravity value and geomagnetic induction help us... [to full text]

Determination of Earth geomagnetic field parameters and research of their variation is an actual and complex problem of natural science. It is related to knowledge of the state of natural physical system outer parameters of present geophysical and geodynamical processes. Variation of geomagnetic field is continuous process evident in different Earth surface places but in different ways. It can be determined by precise measurements. Precise repeated observations of geomagnetic field parameters at repeat stations is one of basic methods. For determination of certain epoch geomagnetic field parameters, detailed information on geomagnetic field and its variations is necessary. Data of geomagnetic field research is used for solution of different theoretical and practical tasks. Data is important for solving tasks of navigation, geophysics, geodynamics, explorations of minerals. According requirements of NATO and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) – parameters of geomagnetic field are presented on the topographic maps and navigation charts of the air ports. Compass or director is used in geodesy for orientation, when instrument arrow is oriented along lines of geomagnetic field. Information on geomagnetic declination is necessary for direction determination in this case. Value of declination and its annual change is presented on topographical maps. Geomagnetic and gravimetric data are useful for exploration of minerals. Gravity value and geomagnetic induction help us... [to full text]

Decades of research into the anomalous phenomenon of consciousness-correlated collapse of random systems has supported the contention that human intention appears capable of eliciting significant deviations within these external systems. The following series of experiments was conducted in order to identify potential physical factors which might play a role in the consciousness-correlated effects on a random event generator device. Transcerebral application of a specific physiologically-patterned electromagnetic field was found to enhance the occurrence of this consciousness-mediated interaction. Furthermore, immersing the test area in electromagnetic ‘noise’ appears to interfere with the apparent effects of intention. Subsequent analyses were conducted in order to examine the potential contributions of gravitational sources on this phenomenon. Cerebral biophoton emission was also examined which determined that biophotons are related to the output of a proximal random event generator within both time and frequency domains. This initial series of experiments revealed a seemingly integral temporal component in this form of experiment which occurs at approximately 2 minutes into the test phase. Finally, space weather factors were examined for potential associations with the random event generator phenomenon which revealed a number of significant relationships that may contribute to this process. An artificial neural network was then constructed in order to predict values of geomagnetic activity for future experiments. These results may be among the first to quantitatively identify the probable energies and physical parameters associated with successful consciousness-mediated non-local interaction with an external system.

Micropulsation data recorded at Palo Alto, California during 1963-4 and Ralston, Alberta during 1967 have been used to study "Intervals of pulsations of diminishing period" (IPDP). IPDP's are found to be generated in the dusk-midnight quadrant of the magnetosphere at an equatorial distance of about 6 earth radii. An intensive study of the Ralston data reveals that IPDP's occur during the expansive phase of magnetospheric substorms. It is proposed that IPDP's are generated by a cyclotron instability between energetic protons and left-hand ion cyclotron waves. Their main characteristics are determined by the perturbations of the dusk-midnight sector of the magnetosphere by magnetospheric substorms. One of the main disturbances in that region is a slow decrease and then sudden increase in the magnetic field corresponding to the buildup and decay of a partial ring current. IPDP's show an increase in midfrequency due to the change in the cyclotron instability frequency produced by the increasing magnetic field. This theory is tested by a comparison of frequency increase of IPDP's observed at Ralston and magnetic field increase in the magnetosphere observed by the ATS-1 satellite. Other conditions necessary for IPDP generation are then discussed. It is shown that different combinations of these conditions result in the generation of hm emissions and band type micropulsations. / Science, Faculty of / Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department of / Graduate

Ultra-low frequency (ULF; 1 mHz - 1 Hz) waves are known to play an important role in the transfer of energy from the solar wind to Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) is an international network consisting of 35 low-power high frequency (HF: 3-30 MHz) coherent scatter radars at middle to polar latitudes that look into Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere. In this study, we use Doppler velocity measurements obtained by the SuperDARN radars and coordinated spacecraft observations to investigate the occurrence statistics and driving mechanisms of ionospheric ULF waves. We begin in Chapter 2 with a case study of Pi2 pulsations which are short-duration (5-15 min) damped geomagnetic field oscillations with periods of 40-150 s. Simultaneous observations of Pi2 pulsations from THEMIS spacecraft, midlatitude SuperDARN radars, and ground magnetometers, together with analysis of their longitudinal polarization pattern and azimuthal phase propagation, confirmed that they are consistent with a plasmaspheric virtual resonance excited by a longitudinally localized source near midnight. In Chapter 3, to further investigate the overall occurrence of ionospheric ULF signatures, a comprehensive statistical study was conducted using an automated detection algorithm to identify ionospheric signatures of Pc3-4 and Pc5 waves over 7 years of high time resolution SuperDARN radar data. Specifically, we have investigated their spatial occurrence, frequency characteristics, seasonal factors, and dependence on solar wind and geomagnetic conditions. We note two particular findings: (i) an internal wave-particle interaction source is most likely responsible for Pc4 waves at high latitudes in the duskside ionosphere; and, (ii) a source associated with magnetotail dynamics during active geomagnetic times is suggested for Pc3-4/Pi2 waves at midlatitudes in the nightside ionosphere. These findings are further expanded in Chapter 4 which investigates the hypothesis that internal wave-particle interactions are an important source for generation of these waves. A case study of long-lasting poloidal waves was conducted using coordinated observations with the GOES and THEMIS satellites to examine the generation and propagation of waves observed in the dayside ionosphere by multiple SuperDARN radars. The source of wave excitation is suggested to be bump-on-tail ion distributions at 1-3 keV. Collectively, these research findings provide better constraints on where and when ionospheric ULF waves occur, their source mechanisms, and how they might affect magnetospheric and ionospheric dynamics. / Doctor of Philosophy / Earth’s magnetic field, approximates that of a bar magnet. It is an effective barrier to charged particles originating directly from the Sun and protects us against harmful space weather influences. The geomagnetic field lines can oscillate in ultra-low frequencies (ULF: 1 mHz - 1 Hz). These natural oscillations of closed magnetic field lines, analogous to vibrations on a stretched string, are also called geomagnetic pulsations or ULF waves. The interaction between matter and electromagnetic fields emitted from the Sun and the Earth’s outer atmosphere and magnetic field form a magnetic shield named the Earth’s magnetosphere. ULF waves play a key role in the transfer of energy from outside this shield to regions inside it, including Earth’s upper atmosphere and ionosphere (a region extending from about 60 km to 1000 km above the Earth’s surface). In this study, we use Doppler velocity measurements obtained by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars and coordinated spacecraft observations to investigate the occurrence statistics and driving mechanisms of ionospheric ULF waves. We begin in Chapter 2 with an event study of a type of irregular pulsations (Pi2) which are short-duration (5-15 min) damped geomagnetic field oscillations with periods of 40-150 s. Simultaneous observations of Pi2 pulsations from NASA THEMIS spacecraft, midlatitude SuperDARN radars, and ground magnetometers, together with further analysis of wave spectra and propagation, confirmed their driving mechanism as a type of magnetic resonance, analogous to striking a bell. In Chapter 3, to further investigate the overall occurrence of ionospheric ULF signatures, a statistical study was conducted using an automated detection algorithm to identify ionospheric signatures of ULF waves over 7 years of high time resolution SuperDARN radar data. Specifically, we have investigated their spatial occurrence, frequency characteristics, seasonal factors, and dependence on solar and geomagnetic activity. We obtained findings regarding the different driving sources of waves observed in different regions. The findings are further expanded in Chapter 4 which investigates the generation of waves through energy exchange with charged particles. A case study of long-lasting (2-3 days) waves was conducted using coordinated observations with the GOES and THEMIS satellites to examine the generation and propagation of waves observed in the dayside ionosphere by multiple SuperDARN radars. The source of wave excitation is suggested to be unstable particle distributions in the magnetosphere. Collectively, these research findings provide better constraints on where and when ULF waves occur, their source mechanisms, and how they affect dynamics in the geospace environment.