One of the methods dedicated to the study of thunderstorm global activity is the analysis of the electromagnetic Schumann resonance parameters, which occur in ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies) range. In our team, we had invented unique decomposition method of the resonance spectrum, which allows localising storm centres, measure dipole moments of the discharges and their energy. Measurements like this let us map global thunderstorm activity around the world, which can be analysed in climatological terms. Presented examples of this research are based on the analysis in regards to thunderstorm activity in the macroscale.
Observations of the Schumann resonance are conducted in Poland since 1992, which allows the study of climatological changes throughout the years. Since 2005 our observations have been automatic and since 2015 global system WERA (World ELF Radiolocation Array) has been in operation. It contains three stations around the world - Poland, USA and Argentina, each station operates in ELF band. Such distribution of these stations allows the creation of maps detailing the electrical activity of the Earth’s atmosphere. Development of the decomposition method by utilising global measuring tools allows for creating detailed and precise maps that chart paths of the storm centres. For the purposes of evaluating these movements, we have analysed African centre in January and July. These months were selected due to movement of ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone), which directly influences displacement of the sources.
Studies are the innovative approach for the issue related to climate changes, in terms of a broadly defined atmospheric electricity. Mapping of the thunderstorm centres based on archive data from our stations will allow us to characterize climate changes related to that phenomenon.