On the nature of abnormal quiet days in Sq(H)

Summary. It is well known that the time of occurrence of the minimum in the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field ( H _min) on quiet days at a mid-latitude station on the poleward side of the Sq focus shows considerable variability from day to day. This variability has previously been discussed in terms of the incidence of so-called 'abnormal quiet days'(AQD), arbitrarily defined for the station Hartland as quiet days when H _min occurred outside an interval of ± 2½ hr centred on the most common time of 1130 LT. AQDs have some interesting properties, which have been documented, but their precise nature and cause have not been elucidated. In this paper we report the results of a study of AQDs as identified at Hartland using a chain of Northern hemisphere stations situated approximately along the 0° longitude meridian and extending on both sides of the Sq focus. It is found that there are two effects on AQDs: (i) a northward component field varying in LT is superposed at all latitudes throughout the day, so reducing the amplitude of the normal Sq(H) variation at stations poleward of the focus and increasing it on the equatorward side, (ii) a southward perturbation field, of most probable magnitude 6.0 nT for the period studied, is imposed for about 4 hr at a fixed UT at all latitudes, so constituting an 'AQD event' which can lead to the occurrence of H _min at an anomalous local time for a station poleward of the focus. It is shown that the AQD event may be of large geographical extent and that it is related to the interplanetary magnetic field. All the main properties of AQD occurrences are explained, and it is suggested that much of the day-to-day variability in the amplitude and phase of the normal Sq(H) variation probably also arises from the occurrence of AQD events at times close to the diurnal turning points.     

南极长城站冬季地磁S_q变化特征

本文利用南极长城站1987年4月至9月的地磁资料,分析了长城站地区冬季地磁S_q变化特征。分析结果表明:(1)南极长城站在初冬(4月)与冬末(9月)月份的S_q变化形态与北半球中纬度的北京地磁台的S_q变化形态基本相似,这可能是由中纬度电离层中的发电机电流所控制的。在仲冬月份(6月与7月),由于太阳紫外辐射效应减少,高纬度的地磁扰动占主导地位,反映出S_q变幅很小和以8小时以下的较短周期谐波起主要作用,(2)在初冬与冬末月份的S_q等效电流矢量,白天比黑夜大约5倍;其矢量方向在白天(08—15时)为顺时针,黑夜为反时针。在仲冬月由于电离层中电流的影响相对减弱,S_q等效电流矢量很小,白天与黑夜基本一样;其矢量分布方向与初冬和冬末的矢量方向不同,这可能是极区的电离层电流或场向电流的影响造成的。     

On the anomalous features of the geomagnetic quiet-day field variations at Nagpur, India

The quiet-day geomagnetic field variation data from the recently commissioned Nagpur geomagnetic observatory, which has augmented the currently active latitudinal chain of Indian magnetic observatories, are analysed for the year 1993- The variations for diurnal frequencies (Sq) recorded at Nagpur do not follow the expected trend with latitude. This is most conspicuous in the northward horizontal ( X ) component. The anomalous behaviour at Nagpur is also seen in the diurnal harmonic amplitudes when compared with those of the neighbouring stations Alibag (south of Nagpur) and Ujjain (north of Nagpur). This behaviour is attributed to the presence of electrically conducting anomalous sources in the vicinity of Nagpur. The anomalous internal source is inferred to be located at relatively shallower depths and is highly localized.     

Phase variability of Sq (H) on normal quiet days in the equatorial electrojet region

Summary. From a study of 'abnormal quiet days' (AQDs) at equatorial latitudes it was found earlier (Sastri) that the occurrence of an abnormal Sq ( H ) phase confined to the equatorial electrojet belt is closely associated with the incidence of complete or partial counter-electrojet (CEJ) conditions (marked daytime depressions in the H field in the electrojet region) for about 5 hr around the normal time interval of the diurnal maximum of the H field. In this paper, we investigate the causative mechanism of the Sq ( H ) phase variability on 'normal quiet days' (NQDs), defined as days on which the diurnal maximum of the H field occurs in the time interval 0930-1230 LT, in the equatorial electrojet belt using published geomagnetic data of stations in the Indian equatorial region. It is found that much of the phase variability of Sq ( H ) on NQDs may be caused by the influence of southward (negative) perturbation fields in the H component, similar in nature to those associated with AQDs but of a much smaller amplitude, close to the usual time of the diurnal maximum of the H field. The perturbation fields are noticed to be essentially of the ionospheric dynamo region origin. Possible mechanisms that might give rise to the observed perturbation fields are discussed.     

An investigation of the causes of abnormal quiet days in Sq (H)

Summary. From a study of 'abnormal quiet days' (AQDs) along the 0° meridian between 14 and 60° N, it was found (Butcher & Brown) that the minimum in H at stations on the poleward side of the Sq ( H ) focus was formed by a small negative substorm event when the normal Sq ( H ) amplitude was reduced by a superposed northward field.
In this paper we consider both the AQD event and the superposed northward field as a function of longitude and also consider in more detail the latitude variation of the superposed northward field. From such a study it is concluded that: (1) the AQD event is definitely due to a small magnetospheric substorm event; (2) the superposed northward field varies smoothly with longitude falling to zero some 110° from the longitude of its maximum amplitude; (3) the superposed northward field has a variation with geomagnetic latitude tending to zero near 20° and 70°N with a maximum near 55° N in summer and 35° N in winter; (4) there is some evidence that the effect of the IMF penetrates into the mid-latitude E-region and its effect is latitude-dependent. Although the evidence supports the suggestion that the currents responsible for the superposed northward field flow in the E-region no suggestion as to the origin of the driving force of the currents is forthcoming.     

基于两种新型景观指数的张掖绿洲植被格局动态研究

通过遥感与GIS技术分析张掖绿洲植被格局动态,验证了Frohn(1998)提出的两种新型景观指数PPU(Patch Per Unit)和SqP(Sq)[Square Pixel]在时间序列上对于植被景观格局分析的适用性和敏感性。分析结果显示PPU和SqP(Sq)指数分别对应聚集度和分维数这两种传统景观指数呈相似的变化趋势和统计相关性,但其针对景观类型的变异系数相对于聚集度和分维数都较高,即其指数值对各植被斑块类型辨识的敏感性更强,对景观破碎化程度和斑块形状复杂度的时空演变具有更好的预测性。通过对新型景观指数特性的分析及动态对比,表明张掖绿洲植被景观的空间异质性和斑块形状复杂度呈现逐渐增强的总体态势。     

南极中山站1991年地磁静日S_q变化

本文分析了１９９１年太阳活动峰年南极中山站地磁静日Ｓｑ变化，结果表明：１）地磁静日Ｓｑ变化叠加有很多扰动。Ｓｑ场是由Ｓ０ｑ场和Ｓｐｑ场所组成。２）Ｓ０ｑ场变化比较规则，其极昼月（夏季）的变幅比极夜月（冬季）大很多。在极昼月Ｓ０ｑ（Ｈ）变化出现有双峰图象。Ｓ０ｑ场主要是由高纬度极区电离层Ｓｑ电流体系所控制。３）Ｓｐｑ场的变化形态没有昼夜之分；它的变化强度为冬季小、夏季大。Ｓｐｑ场源主要是依赖于场向电流和电离层电导率。４）Ｓ０ｑ（Ｚ）变化比Ｓ０ｑ（Ｈ）变化要大，特别是在极夜的冬季，Ｓ０ｑ（Ｚ）的变幅比Ｓ０ｑ（Ｈ）大２／３倍。本文对北京地磁中心台磁静日资料也一并进行了分析。Ｓｑ变化主要是由北半球中、低纬电离层Ｓｑ电流体系所引起的     

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sq VARIATION OF GEOMAGNETIC FIELD AT THE GREAT WALL STATION, ANTARCTICA IN WINTER

In this paper the characteristics of Sq variation of geomagnetic field in the region of the Chinese Great Wall Station (CGWS), Antarctica, in winter are analyzed from geomagnetic data obtained at the Geomagnetic Observatory of CGWS. The result enables us to reveal the following aspects: (1) The pattern of Sq variation at CGWS in early (Apr.) and Late winter (Sep.) is similar to that at Beijing Geomagnetic Observatory (BJO) at the middle latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. It may be controlled by the midlatitudinal ionospheric dynamo current. Amplitude of Sq variation is very small, and the harmonics in 8 hours or shorter periods in midwinter (June and July) is predominant because of the decreased effect of solar ultraviolet radiation and the dominant geomagnetic disturbance at high latitudes. (2) The vectors of Sq-equivalent current in the daytime are about five times more than that in the night. The direction of the vectors is clockwise in the daytime (08-15h) and counterclockwise in the night in earl     

Local time variation of geomagnetic transfer functions

The local time (LT) variation of the geomagnetic transfer function at the 32-min period was examined for observatories distributed worldwide. Two distinct variation types (types 1 and 2) were found in the real part of A. Type 1 is conspicuous at lower latitudes and its seasonal variation is small, whereas type 2 is found at higher latitudes and has its maximum in summer. These two types of LT variation are seen globally and are conspicuous when solar activity is high. The amplitudes of both types of variation vary from 0.018 to 0.078, and are independent of the mean values at each observatory. These values are relatively small, but the amplitude of Chambon la Foret is larger than the mean value, which shows that Au changes its sign in local time. The amplitudes of type 1 and 2 variations decrease and increase with geomagnetic latitude, respectively. These features suggest that they are generated by some global external fields. The most probable cause is the Sq field, although the Dp field may contribute to type 1 variation. On the other hand, for the islands of the Pacific Ocean at low latitudes, such as Honolulu and Chichijima, the type 1 variation appears not in the real but in the imaginary part of A, which suggests that currents induced in the ocean also contribute to the local time variation.     

The Sq current system during the International Geophysical Year

Summary. The daily variation for the mean of the eight most quiet days of the IGY is represented as a function of latitude, longitude and UT by means of a spherical harmonic model. The most appropriate choice of Sq baseline is investigated, on the assumption that the external electric currents deduced from the model should be negligible at local midnight. The properties of the final model are discussed, particularly with regard to the external current foci, and are compared with those of previous models.     

Annual variation of the geomagnetic field

Summary. Horizontal and vertical intensity data, obtained between 1957.0 and 1961.0 at 69 observatories, are analysed to determine the worldwide distribution of the annual variation of the geomagnetic field. Only data observed near local midnight are used, to avoid the small, but significant contamination from Sq. Over most of the world the variation is found to be small, with a clear dependence on latitude, but near the poles it is larger and more erratic. The non-polar variation is subjected to spherical harmonic analysis and separated into parts of internal and external origin. The polar variations are shown to be consistent with a north—south oscillation of the mean position of the auroral electrojets during the year. It is suggested that, with the exception of the polar effect, the annual variation is not due to ionospheric currents (as was hitherto believed), but results from an annual variation in the latitude of the ring current.     

The change in Sq(H) amplitude on Abnormal Quiet Days

Summary. Analysis of geomagnetic data has shown that the superposed northward magnetic field, which reduces the S _q( H ) amplitude at northern mid-latitude stations on Abnormal Quiet Days, and increases the amplitude at stations on the equatorward side of the S _q focus, builds up in amplitude over four to five days before the AQD occurs, and subsides over a similar period after the AQD. It is inferred indirectly that the azimuthal component B_y of the interplanetary magnetic field varies similarly. Data for the opposite meridian show that the imposed field reverses to a southward direction at lower latitudes. The inferred currents to account for these fields are believed to flow in the ionosphere, but to arise from magnetospheric electric fields induced by the solar wind-transported IMF.     

Abnormal quiet days and the effect of the interplanetary magnetic field on the apparent position of the Sq focus

b
The effect of the IMF on the position of the Sq focus in summer has been discussed by Matsushita who found an apparent poleward motion of the focus on days when the IMF was directed away from the Sun compared to those when the IMF was directed towards the Sun. However, his analysis took no account of the well known phase variability in Sq(H) . It is shown here that if quiet days are separated into 'normal quiet days', NQDs (defined for a station on the poleward side of the focus as days when the minimum in H occurs between 0830 and 1330 LT) and 'abnormal quiet days', AQDs (minimum in H occurring outside the NQD range), then the apparent poleward motion of the focus only occurs on AQDs and even then only when the IMF is directed away from the Sun. This effect is found to occur in both summer and winter and is probably of magnetospheric origin.     

The spatial scale of correlation of the day-to-day variability of Sq

Summary. It is confirmed that even when disturbance variations are taken into account, the spatial scale of day-to-day variability of Sq is local, that is, of the order of one or two thousand kilometres, rather than globally correlated.     

High-latitude, ground-based observations of ULF plasma waves in the magnetosphere

summary . Recent theoretical work has clarified the spatial characteristics of ULF (1–20 mHz) plasma waves in the magnetosphere, and the magnetic perturbations that these waves cause at the Earth's surface. This paper uses ground-based observations from seven, three-component, flux-gate magnetometers ranging in latitude from 58.7 to 77.7° N corrected geomagnetic latitude in order to evaluate the relevance of these theories. During the day, the sense of polarization and direction of the major axis of the pulsations in the horizontal plane follow the trend predicted by recent theories proposing a Kelvin—Helmholtz instability at the magnetopause as a source for these pulsations. The H component shows a distinct trend for the power to peak at lower latitudes as the frequency of the pulsation train increases. This feature is consistent with recent theoretical work which predicts pronounced latitudinal resonances in the D component in the magnetosphere, which are then rotated to the H direction on passing through the ionosphere to the ground. The experiment shows that at the ground the latitudinal resonance is most clearly marked by sharp peaks in the H and Z components, and by pronounced latitudinal phase shifts in the H and Z components. These phase shifts are not always accompanied by a latitudinal reversal in the sense of polarization in the horizontal plane.     

On the latitude of the Sq(H) focus at sunspot minimum

Summary. The latitude of the Sq ( H ) focus along the 0° longitude meridian in the northern hemisphere has been determined for all the quiet days, as determined from the aa indices, for the sunspot minimum years 1963–64–65. It is shown that: (a) most of the large variability of the focus latitude is due to the effect of a superposed northward magnetic field that is present on AQDs and which tends to move the apparent focus latitude poleward in the northern hemisphere, and (b) a smaller equatorward motion is caused by the negative AQD events that occur in the 0830–1330 LT range. When these two classes of days are removed from the data set, the focus latitude is found to be completely contained within the range 36°-48° for the months March-October
with an average value of 41.5 ± 2.3, whilst in winter the range is larger with an average value of 36.7 ± 3.4. However, since the magnitude of the superposed northward field is longitude-dependent, it may be present even on days not classed as AQDs. It is shown that much of the variability in the focus latitude of the normal days along the 0° longitude meridian is caused by variations in the amplitude of the superposed northward field.     

南极地区地磁扰日变化S_D场特征

利用南极地磁资料研究了地磁扰日变化ＳＤ场特征。１）ＳＤ场变化不如Ｓｑ场变化规则,无明显的昼夜差异;太阳活动高年（１９９１年）比下降年（１９９４年）ＳＤ场变化更强烈。２）极隙区中山站ＳＤ场变幅比亚极光区长城站和北半球低纬区北京台的ＳＤ场变幅大１０倍以上。３）中山站Ｓ０Ｄ（Ｈ）变化呈“正弦波”形态,与长城站和北京台Ｓ０Ｄ（Ｈ）变化形态相反。４）中山站Ｓ０Ｄ等效电流矢量在早晨－下午（０２～１５ｈ）矢量方向为反时针西向,下午－夜间（１５～０２ｈ）矢量方向为顺时针东向,这是由极区东向、西向电射流和极区电流涡旋所引起;长城站与北京台Ｓ０Ｄ等效电流矢量很小,这是由极区东向和西向电射流的影响所致。     

1971-2013年环渤海地区风速的时空特征

基于环渤海地区60个站点1971-2013年日序列最大风速数据,采用线性倾向估计、Mann-kendall检验、反距离加权插值、小波分析等方法,分析了近年来环渤海地区风速的年、季节的变化趋势及其空间分异等特征。结果表明:(1)环渤海地区年均最大风速为6.35 m·s^-1,并以0.423 m·s^-1的年代变化速率呈显著的下降趋势。区内除承德、丰宁和阜新站点呈略微上升趋势,其余站点均呈下降趋势,整体上表现为南部下降幅度高而北部下降幅度低。四季最大风速也均呈显著的下降趋势,冬、春季的最大风速对全年趋势演变贡献率较大。(2)偏北风(尤其是北西北风)和偏南风(尤其是南西南风)是本区的主要风向。春、夏两季以偏南风为主要风向,秋、冬两季则以偏北风为主要风向。(3)环渤海地区最大风速减少的主要原因是各站点日最大风速为5级及以上的发生频率分别以0.912、0.671、0.271、0.076 d·a^-1的速率呈下降趋势;大风频率也以1.019 d.a^-1的速率呈下降趋势。冬半年是本区大风日数相对较多的时段,春季尤甚。(4)本区多数地区属大风较少区和较多区,其中大风较多区的站点最多(31个),而大风频发区的站点最少(仅4个)。位于大风较少区的站点数增长迅速,而大风较多区、多发区和频发区的站点数则均呈现下降趋势。最大风速与大风日数均具有25～30 a的显著振荡周期。     

Natural Infrasound as an Atmospheric Probe

Summary For four years continuous recording of infrasonic signals in the frequency range 0.1 to 1 Hz, known as microbaroms, has been conducted at Palisades, New York. The microbaroms we recorded are radiated into the atmosphere by interfering ocean waves in the North Atlantic as far as 2000 km away. A characteristic diurnal variation in the amplitude of the received signal has been noted, independent of any variation in the source. We conclude that the variation is due to variations of the factors affecting atmospheric sound propagation, namely wind and temperature.
In winter a semidiurnal variation in signal amplitude is observed, with maximum reception around 11 : 00 and 22; 00 local time. Reference to wind and temperature observations in the literature shows that at these times the lowest level of reflection of the vertically propagating signal occurs between 100 and 110 km due to the presence of strong east winds. At 18 : 00, time of minimum amplitudes, the reflection level rises to about 115 km because of a change in tidal wind phase. Viscous dissipation associated with the changed reflection height can account for the observed signal weakening. A third maximum, a less regular effect, is found to be related to more variable winds between 95 and 105 km.
In summer, reflection is found to occur from about 50 km due to the presence of stratospheric easterlies. The summer diurnal variation, different from that of the winter, exhibits only a weak minimum about 20 : 00. This appears to result from a diurnal temperature variation superimposed on a diurnal wind variation. Abnormally high microbaroms were recorded at times that can be related to an atmospheric event known as a stratospheric warming. Microbaroms thus provide a continuously available natural mechanism for probing the upper atmosphere. We conclude that the establishment of microbarom observation systems could give a comprehensive technique for monitoring several upper atmospheric parameters.     

我国风蚀区风速日变率时空变化特征

基于我国风蚀区239个气象站点逐时风速数据,采用谐波分析方法分析我国风蚀区风速日变率特征。结果表明：85.3%的站点有且只有第一个谐波通过F检验,日变率以24 h为周期;14.2%的站点第一和二个谐波通过检验,日变率以24 h为主周期,以12 h为副周期;西藏墨竹工卡站第一和三个谐波通过检验。日平均风速变化范围为0.96~8.36 m·s^-1,均值为2.42 m·s^-1;风速>3 m·s^-1站点集中分布在内蒙古北部高原、青藏高原地形平坦的高原区、甘肃河西走廊及新疆东北部。季节风速表现出春季 > 冬季 > 夏季 > 秋季的特征;第一个谐波振幅变化范围为0.28~3.28 m·s^-1;相位变化范围为-1.55~4.67,集中在3.21~4.67,表明大部分站点在午后风速值达到最大。研究可为逐时风速的随机模拟提供基础,进而为风蚀区风蚀量估算提供更好的数据支撑。