AC and DC global electric circuit and the height profile of atmospheric conductivity

Abstract

Apparent discrepancy is discussed between the height profiles of atmospheric conductivity derived from Schumann resonance parameters in the Earth-ionosphere cavity and using the model of the DC global atmospheric electric circuit. The issue is resolved by creating a hybrid profile of these two profiles. Close to the ground, where the resistance of the atmosphere is largest, the properties of the DC global model exert the greatest influence, whereas in the middle atmosphere, at heights between 40 and 100 km, the full wave computations show that the AC results are the more crucial. This globally averaged hybrid profile harmonizes the AC and DC conductivity data, and it might be important for future studies.