Evolution of Global Lightning in the Transition From Cold to Warm Phase Preceding Two Super El Niño Events

Multistation observations of Schumann resonance (SR) intensity document common behavior in the evolution of continental‐scale lightning activity in two super El Niño events, occurring in 1997/98 and 2015/16. The vertical electric field component of SR at Nagycenk, Hungary and the two horizontal magnetic field components in Rhode Island, USA in 1997, and in 2014–2015, the two horizontal magnetic field components at Hornsund, Svalbard and Eskdalemuir, United Kingdom as well as in Boulder Creek, California and Alberta, Canada exhibit considerable increases in SR intensity from some tens of percent up to a few hundred percents in the transition months preceding the two super El Niño events. The UT time distribution of anomalies in SR intensity indicates that in 1997 the lightning activity increases mainly in Southeast Asia, the Maritime Continent and India, i.e. the Asian chimney region. On the other hand, a global response in lightning is indicated by the anomalies in SR intensity in 2014 and 2015. SR‐based results are strengthened by comparison to independent lightning observations from the Optical Transient Detector and the World Wide Lightning Location Network, which also exhibit increased lightning activity in the transition months. The increased lightning is attributable to increased instability due to thermodynamic disequilibrium between the surface and the midtroposphere during the transition. The main conclusion is that variations in SR intensity may act as a precursor for the occurrence and magnitude of these extreme climate events, and in keeping with earlier findings, as a precursor to maxima in global surface air temperature. Schumann resonance (SR) is a global phenomenon produced by low frequency electromagnetic radiation (\u3c100 Hz) from worldwide lightning. Lightning strokes act as wideband electromagnetic antennas transmitting in this specific frequency band, and due to the extreme low attenuation of electromagnetic waves, their radiated signals can be observed anywhere on Earth. This phenomenon enables the monitoring of global lightning with just a very few (up to four in this study) observation sites around the globe. The main advantage of the SR‐based method is the expectation that all of the worldwide lightning contributes to the measured SR field, which means the absence of detection efficiency problems which are inherent with many other lightning detection methods. In this work, we use SR measurements to monitor changes in both regional and global lightning activity in connection with two extremely large magnitude, so called “super” El Niño events (1997/98 and 2015/16). Our conclusion is that SR intensity variations in the transition months preceding these two El Niño events indicate an important increase in lightning activity attributable to thermodynamic disequilibrium. We suggest that SR intensity variations might be applied in the future to predict the occurrence of these extreme climate events. Schumann resonance intensities are analyzed from distant stations in connection with two super El Niño events Increased Schumann resonance intensity indicates enhanced lightning activity in the transition from cold to warm phase in both events Schumann resonance intensity may be a precursor for occurrence of super El Niño events and for maxima in global surface air temperature Schumann resonance intensities are analyzed from distant stations in connection with two super El Niño events Increased Schumann resonance intensity indicates enhanced lightning activity in the transition from cold to warm phase in both events Schumann resonance intensity may be a precursor for occurrence of super El Niño events and for maxima in global surface air temperatur

Increasing the accuracy of absolute measurements at the Argentine Islands geomagnetic observatory of the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky station

In recent years, the INTERMAGNET geomagnetic observatory Argentine Islands of Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky station, located at Galindez Island, has been modernized. New devices were installed at the observatory: reference three-component fluxgate magnetometer LEMI-025, one-component Mag-01H Fluxgate Declinometer/Inclinometer with non-magnetic Wild T1 Theodolite (DI-magnetometer), and scalar Overhauser magnetometers GSM-19 and GSM-90. These devices have a high resolution and can carry out measurements with greater accuracy. Also, new methods of absolute observations and variation processing were introduced. In 2022, a new DI-magnetometer was installed; it practically did not change the baseline values of the variometer LEMI-025 compared to previous years, which indicates the reliability of the results, but made observations much more convenient. We present the results of processing absolute observations, carried out by different methods. Different techniques of calculating these observations are described, and certain shortcomings or inaccuracies in their application are noted. Recommendations to eliminate the identified shortcomings are proposed. The results of processing of absolute observations by different techniques are compared and the reason for the inconsistency of certain values is found. A new method of calculation of absolute observations is proposed, which was used at the observatory, which showed quite good results. In the new methodology, the calculation of errors of the DI-magnetometer, namely: the zero offset of the magnetic sensor, the azimuth collimation error δ and the elevation collimation error ε of its sensitivity axis relative to the axes of theodolite, is initiated. Analysis of these errors allows identifying and sometimes correcting the errors in absolute measurements. The installation of new devices and the application of new calculation methods made it possible to ensure better data quality and convenience of measurements at the station, to automate the data processing, preparation, and minimizing the influence of the human factor

Evolution of global lightning in the transition from cold to warm phase preceding two super El Niño events

Multi-station observations of Schumann resonance (SR) intensity document common behavior in the evolution of continental-scale lightning activity in two super El Niño events, occurring in 1997/98 and 2015/16. The vertical electric field component of SR at Nagycenk, Hungary and the two horizontal magnetic field components in Rhode Island, USA in 1997, and in 2014–2015, the two horizontal magnetic field components at Hornsund, Svalbard and Eskdalemuir, United Kingdom as well as in Boulder Creek, California and Alberta, Canada exhibit considerable increases in SR intensity from some tens of percent up to a few hundred percents in the transition months preceding the two super El Niño events. The UT time distribution of anomalies in SR intensity indicates that in 1997 the lightning activity increases mainly in Southeast Asia, the Maritime Continent and India, i.e. the Asian chimney region. On the other hand, a global response in lightning is indicated by the anomalies in SR intensity in 2014 and 2015. SR-based results are strengthened by comparison to independent lightning observations from the Optical Transient Detector and the World Wide Lightning Location Network, which also exhibit increased lightning activity in the transition months. The increased lightning is attributable to increased instability due to thermodynamic disequilibrium between the surface and the mid-troposphere during the transition. The main conclusion is that variations in SR intensity may act as a precursor for the occurrence and magnitude of these extreme climate events, and in keeping with earlier findings, as a precursor to maxima in global surface air temperature

Solar Cycle-Modulated Deformation of the Earth–Ionosphere Cavity

The Earth–ionosphere cavity resonator is occupied primarily by the electromagnetic radiation of lightning below 100 Hz. The phenomenon is known as Schumann resonances (SR). SR intensity is an excellent indicator of lightning activity and its distribution on global scales. However, long-term measurements from high latitude SR stations revealed a pronounced in-phase solar cycle modulation of SR intensity seemingly contradicting optical observations of lightning from satellite, which do not show any significant solar cycle variation in the intensity and spatial distribution of lightning activity on the global scale. The solar cycle-modulated local deformation of the Earth–ionosphere cavity by the ionization of energetic electron precipitation (EEP) has been suggested as a possible phenomenon that may account for the observed long-term modulation of SR intensity. Precipitating electrons in the energy range of 1–300 keV can affect the Earth–ionosphere cavity resonator in the altitude range of about 70–110 km and modify the SR intensities. However, until now there was no direct evidence documented in the literature supporting this suggestion. In this paper we present long-term SR intensity records from eight stations, each equipped with a pair of induction coil magnetometers: five high latitude (|lat| \u3e 60°), two mid-high latitude (50° \u3c |lat| \u3c 60°) and one low latitude (|lat| \u3c 30°). These long-term, ground-based SR intensity records are compared on the annual and interannual timescales with the fluxes of precipitating 30–300 keV medium energy electrons provided by the POES NOAA-15 satellite and on the daily timescale with electron precipitation events identified using a SuperDARN radar in Antarctica. The long-term variation of the Earth–ionosphere waveguide’s effective height, as inferred from its cutoff frequency, is independently analyzed based on spectra recorded by the DEMETER satellite. It is shown that to account for all our observations one needs to consider both the effect of solar X-rays and EEP which modify the quality factor of the cavity and deform it dominantly over low- and high latitudes, respectively. Our results suggest that SR measurements should be considered as an alternative tool for collecting information about and thus monitoring changes in the ionization state of the lower ionosphere associated with EEP

Quasi-statyczny i niskocyklowy układ do wywierania małych obciążeń w urządzeniach testujących

The article presents the control system for the initiation of quasi-static and low-cycle bending and torsional loads that is intended for fatigue endurance tests in which the maximum value of the load imposed is calibrated electrically or mechanically. The components of the developed system are presented together with examples of the practical application of the system in testers for printed objects.W artykule przedstawiono układ sterowania do wywierania quasi-statycznych i niskocyklowych małych obciążeń zginających i skręcających dedykowany do badania wytrzymałości zmęczeniowej obiektów w urządzeniach testujących, w których kalibracja maksymalnej wartości wywieranego obciążenia odbywa się w sposób elektryczny lub mechaniczny. Przedstawiono elementy składowe opracowanego układu sterowania oraz zaprezentowano przykładowe aplikacje układu w testerach wyrobów poligraficznych

Układ pomiaru tłumienia promieniowania podczerwonego

Radiation absorption measurement systems are widely used in the evaluation of different types of materials. They require a stable transceiver radiation measuring circuit. The article presents a transceiver infrared radiation system developed by the author, in which, apart from a stabilized power supply of transmitting and receiving subsystems, the dedicated software for temperature correction of output signals was also used. The system has two measuring circuits at wavelengths of 860 nm and 950 nm. The paper presents characteristics and measurement uncertainties of the system, determined by means of the reference material. This type of a system can be used in systems for IR transmission or reflection tests, and it can be of help in radiation absorbance studies.Układy pomiaru tłumienia promieniowania znajdują szerokie zastosowanie w ocenie różnych typów materiałów. Wymagają one stabilnego toru nadawczo-odbiorczego promieniowania. W artykule przedstawiono opracowany układ nadawczo-odbiorczy promieniowania podczerwonego, w którym obok stabilizowanych źródeł zasilania podukładów, nadawczego i odbiorczego, zastosowano programową korekcję temperaturową sygnałów wyjściowych. Układ posiada dwa tory pomiarowe o długościach fal 860 i 950 nm. W artykule zaprezentowano charakterystyki i niepewności pomiarowe układu wyznaczone przy wykorzystaniu referencyjnego materiału. Układ tego typu może być zastosowany w systemach badania przepuszczalności lub odbicia światła podczerwonego, czy badaniach absorbancji promieniowania

Koncepcja testowania oddziaływania środka smarowego z podłożem stalowym

The paper demonstrates the methods for the analysis of the interaction between lubricant and steel substrate and presents the obtained results. The samples to be tested were commercially available greases as well as greases developed for the purpose of this research, containing a known amount of adhesion additives. Due to the lack of normalized methods, the authors applied indirect methods based on the analysis of the peel resistance and the resistance to variable shearing rates. The obtained results reveal that there is a possibility to apply the proposed methods for the comparative assessment of interactions between the grease and steel substrate.W artykule przedstawiono metody badania oddziaływań środków smarowych z podłożem stalowym, a także zaprezentowano uzyskane wyniki. Przedmiotem badań były komercyjne smary plastyczne i smary opracowane na potrzeby eksperymentu zawierające znaną ilość dodatków adhezyjnych. Ze względu na brak znormalizowanej metody do badania zastosowano metodyki pośrednie oparte o pomiar siły rozrywania i odporności warstw smarowych na działanie zmiennych szybkości ścinania. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują, że istnieje możliwość wykorzystania zaproponowanych metod do oceny porównawczej oddziaływań smarów plastycznych z podłożem stalowym

Device for the test of the overcurrent starting of the AC power supplies

W artykule przedstawiono opracowany i wykonany układ do testowania prądu rozruchu źródeł napięcia przemiennego. Urządzenie umożliwia pomiar impulsowego prądu przetężenia (szczytowy prąd rozruchu) źródeł przemiennego prądu elektrycznego o napięciu do 700VAC, przy wyzwalaniu w zakresie kąta fazowego 0-360°, a tym samym określenie przeciążalności danego zasilacza AC według zaleceń normy PN-EN-61000-4-11. Zastosowana metoda sterowania wyzwalaniem bramkowym tyrystora pozwala uzyskiwać krótkie czasy impulsów prądu bramki, tym samym odciążając bramkę.The article presents the device for the test of the overcurrent starting of the AC power supplies, which was designed and made by the authors. The system allows measuring the overcurrent pulse of the AC power supplies with voltages up to 700VAC. The overcurrent pulse is triggered by applying a trigger thyristor for the phase angles from 0 to 360°, and it allows defining an overload of AC power supply according to PN-EN-61000-4-11 standard. The control system of the device allows the triggering of the thyristor by the short length pulses, thereby, unloading the thyristor gate during the trigger

Szacowanie niepewności pomiarowej dwukanałowego układu do badania natężenia promieniowania podczerwonego

Execution of long-term tests on infrared radiation waves requires the use of a stable transceiver circuit for infrared radiation. The unit developed by the authors of this paper is an example of possible instruments that can be used in such tests. The system is composed of a stabilized supply source for a transceiver circuit and a programmed temperature change option for output signals. The tests were carried out for a two-channel radiation transceiver with 860 and 950 nm wavelengths. The results obtained were analysed and their expanded uncertainties were determined for a 99% level of confidence, based on the assumed uncertainty budgets. Standard uncertainties were determined using calculation methods type A and B. After verification, the developed stand can be used to test infrared radiation for two wavelengths. It can also find application in the design of bigger control systems, where it can play the role of a measurement module. The examples of such applications include, inter alia, tests on the transmission and reflection of the infrared light.Realizacja długookresowych badań monochromatycznej fali promieniowania podczerwonego wymaga stabilnego układu nadawczo-odbiorczego. Jednym z rozwiązań jest opracowany taki układ, w którym obok stabilizowanych źródeł zasilania toru nadawczego i odbiorczego zastosowano programową stabilizację temperaturową jego sygnałów wyjściowych. Przedmiotem badań był dwukanałowy układ nadawczo-odbiorczy promieniowania o długościach fal 860 i 950 nm. Wyniki przeprowadzonych badań układu poddano analizie i na podstawie oszacowanych budżetów niepewności wyznaczono ich rozszerzone niepewności o 99% poziomie ufności. Niepewności standardowe wyznaczono z oszacowań metodami typu A i B. Zweryfikowane stanowisko pomiarowe do badania promieniowania podczerwonego o dwóch długościach fal, można wykorzystywać w większych systemach sterowania, w których układ ten pełniłby rolę jednego z modułów pomiarowych. Przykładem takich aplikacji mogą być systemy do badania przepuszczalności lub odbicia światła podczerwonego