Characterization of the geomagnetic H-component for a paired station in Africa

Abstract

This scientific research investigates the quiet days variation, Sq(H) of H- component of geomagnetic field for the paired stations: Aswan (ASW: G.G.Lat.24.09⁰N, G.G.Lon.32.89⁰E and G.M.Lat.15.20⁰, G.M.Lon.104.24⁰),Durban (DRB: G.G.Lat.29.86⁰S, G.G.Lon.31.02⁰E and G.M.Lat.39.21⁰, G.M.Lon.96.1⁰) located along the 96⁰ MM (magnetic meridian) using the ten international quietest days’ geomagnetic data from MAGDAS for the year 2009 (a low activity year).The study reveals that sq(H) shows predominantly the diurnal, monthly and seasonal variations of the geomagnetic H-component during the quiet days year round. With maximum amplitude of sq(H) in ASW and minimum in DRB. Meanwhile, the CEJ seen as negative depressions in the H-component of earth field at DRB are all salient physical processes in this study. Further data analysis also revealed many other interesting characteristics for the Sq(H) over African sector paired station. The conclusion drawn from the study shows that the geomagnetic field variations in the northern hemisphere are higher due to solar activities in the region. The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, so this area of the Earth receives more direct sunlight during the day than the Southern Hemisphere does. The Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, is tilted away from the sun and thus receives the sun's rays at an angle, which significantly explains why there is a consistent decrease when it reaches the Durban station (southern hemisphere station), hence the solar activity of the sun influences the Earth’s magnetic field, and the upper atmosphere(ionosphere).