CR 16:31-36 (2000)  -  doi:10.3354/cr016031

ABSTRACT: Lightning-generated extremely low frequency electromagnetic energy (the Schumann Resonance) could be a sensitive indicator of tropical or global temperature. In this investigation, we analyze the relationship between Schumann Resonance peak frequency data and various daily and monthly temperature datasets. Our results show that daily and monthly lower-tropospheric temperature estimates made from satellites and monthly thermometer-based temperature measurements are significantly related to the Schumann Resonance peak frequency data collected in Rhode Island. Further analyses reveal that the temperatures from subtropical and tropical latitudes dominate the relationship with daily and monthly Schumann Resonance peak frequency variations. Our results further our understanding of the linkage between temperature patterns, latitudinal shifts in thunderstorms, and Schumann Resonance peak frequencies.

KEY WORDS: Schumann Resonance · Temperature variations