Separation and analysis of variations in the electrical properties of the atmosphere due to variations of the thunderstorm activity and the Earth-ionosphere waveguide
Thesis supervisor: József Bór
Location of studies (in Hungarian): HUN-REN Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Atmospheric Physics research unit Abbreviation of location of studies: H-REN
Description of the research topic:
The global electric circuit (GEC) comprises all geophysical/meteorological processes with an electrical aspect from the ground up to the lower ionosphere. The direct current (DC) part of the GEC is based on large-scale transport of electric charges separated in active thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds. A global network of the corresponding quasi-static currents maintains a potential difference between the Earth’s surface and the lower ionosphere. The resulting electric field can be measured above the ground in fair weather conditions, too. On the other hand, electromagnetic waves that are produced predominantly by lightning discharges and propagate in the Earth-ionosphere waveguide are considered as the alternating current (AC) component of the GEC. In the closed, spherical shell-shaped waveguide, the spectrum of the signals has a characteristic resonance pattern (Schumann resonance), which can also be detected well. The measured parameters of the GEC depend fundamentally on both the thunderstorm activity and the state of the waveguide. While the distribution and intensity of thunderstorms provides information on the climate, the state of the waveguide depends on the level of ionization in the atmosphere, and so it is connected to the Solar activity and space weather processes. Both climate change and extreme space weather events are socio-economic challenges mankind is currently facing, so understanding the corresponding relevant environmental processes is an important task. Progress in this task using atmospheric electricity-related observations can be made only if signals due to thunderstorms and due to changes in the properties of the waveguide are identified and investigated accordingly. A PhD candidate is welcome to join our group to find, study, and model effects of thunderstorm activity and changes in the state of the waveguide in time series of atmospheric electricity parameters observed from space and measured in Hungary as well as at different locations on Earth.
Required language skills: English Further requirements: Basic knowledge in working with office software (i.e., text editor, spreadsheet editor) and basic programming skills are required. Having experience in coding (Python or Matlab is preferred) and in analyzing time series data is an advantage.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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