Terrestrial stationary waves

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Terrestrial stationary waves are a phenomenon arising in the Earth's interior space because of the conductive ionosphere's action as a waveguide. They were considered by Nikola Tesla to be his most important discovery. The limited dimensions of the earth cause this waveguide to act as a resonant cavity for electromagnetic waves. The cavity is naturally excited by energy from lightning strikes. The Schumann Resonance is a set of terrestrial stationary waves in the extremely low frequency (ELF) portion of the Earth's electromagnetic field spectrum.

Lower frequencies and those at or below longwave bands travel most efficiently as a longitudinal wave and create stationary waves. The ionosphere and the Earth's surface constitute an interface that supports the wave. This resonant cavity is a particular standing wave pattern formed by waves confined in the cavity. The waves correspond to the wavelengths which are reinforced by constructive interference after many reflections from the cavity's reflecting surfaces.

On July 3, 1899, Tesla claimed discovery of this new geo-electrical phenomenon, which he said would allow for the transport of electricity around the world. Terrestrial stationary waves were first observed by Tesla and formed the basis for his wireless energy transfer plans and wireless communications (Tesla, 1905).

[edit] References

• Nikola Tesla (1905). "The Transmission of Electrical Energy Without Wires As A Means Of Furthering World Peace". Electrical World And Engineer January 7: 21–24.