«The Pulse of the Earth» Myth: The Physical Reality of Schumann Resonance

Abstract

This paper examines the physics of Schumann resonance, the structure of the Earth-ionosphere waveguide, the mechanisms of its excitation by global thunderstorm activity, and its geophysical applications. Using spectrograms and magnetometer data from three European observatories (Cumiana, Italy; Lot-et-Garonne, France; and Sodankylä, Finland), this study analyzes the influence of X-class solar flares and the extreme G5 geomagnetic storm of May 2024 on these standing wave parameters. The hypothesis that sudden ionospheric disturbances (SIDs) cause a positive shift in resonance frequencies of 0.1-0.5 Hz is confirmed by the observational data. These findings hold crucial practical relevance for navigation (GPS/GNSS) accuracy, polar aviation safety, and global meteorological monitoring.