Schumann resonances observed using Poynting vector spectra

We present the results of a Schumann resonance monitoring campaign held at Lehta observatory, Karelia, Russia during July-August, 1998. Three electromagnetic (EM) held components were recorded simultaneously: the vertical electric and two orthogonal magnetic fields. This paper demonstrates advantages of the Poynting vector (PV) technique when studying the space-time dynamics of the worldwide thunderstorm activity from a single observatory. Analysis of the diurnal PV patterns revealed a night-time peak in African thunderstorm activity. This maximum occurs around 02:00-03:00 UT and reaches 1/3 of regular afternoon level. The Schumann resonance structure was discovered in the spectra of the wave arrival angles. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.