Three-dimensional finite difference time domain modeling of the diurnal and seasonal variations in Schumann resonance parameters

The diurnal and seasonal variations of Schumann resonances (SR) have been reported in a number of experiments. In this paper, a three-dimensional FDTD model of the Earth-ionosphere cavity with a day-night asymmetric conductivity profile is employed to study the diurnal and seasonal variability of the power and frequency of the first Schumann resonance (SR) mode. Comparison of the FDTD results and recent experimental measurements shows a clear modulation in the SR power related to the local ionospheric height and global lightning activity. It is found that SR frequencies are not only a function of the local time but also are controlled by the global lightning activity changing with universal time.