Correlation of local lightning activity with extra low frequency detector for Schumann Resonance measurements

A dedicated extremely low frequency (ELF) detector has been constructed and used successfully for Schumann Resonance (SRs) measurements in N.W. Greece. The main objective of this work was to investigate the effect of local lightning activity on the signal of our ELF detector and consequently on the estimated SRs parameters, namely the power, the frequency and the quality factor of each mode. Therefore, several measurements were taken into account for the ELF signal continuously recorded and the lightning intensity in a specific range around the ELF detector. Additionally, a simple filtering technique was used, in order to reject the distorted SRs spectra. The statistical analysis performed showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the lightning events and the recorded magnetic component of the ELF signal. It was found that local lightnings have a signifi-cant impact on the SRs measurements, and it is necessary to be removed from the background signal. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that local lightning activity has a significant impact on the signal of an ELF detector and Schumann Resonance parameters, requiring filtering. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between lightning events and the magnetic component of the signal.