Global electrical conductivity of the earth

The Banks (1969, 1972) and Parker (1970) models of the electrical conductivity distribution are critically reviewed along with classical models by Chapman (1919), Lahiri and Price (1939), Rikitake (1950a, b, c) and others. The modern models do not seem to account for the geomagnetic variations having a continuum spectrum and S_q at the same time. A large difference in response between the 1-day and 0.5-day period components of S_q is suspected to be caused by a resonance-like induction in the superficial layer of the earth. Dufficulties in determining the conductivity of the earth's top layer are also emphasized.An overall distribution of conductivity within the earth which seems to be the most reliable at present, is drawn mostly on the basis of Banks' model.