On the semiannual and annual variations of geomagnetic activity and components

Abstract. The semiannual and annual lines in a long series of magnetic observatories daily values, as well as in the aa-activity index series, are investigated. For both periods, amplitudes and phases of the lines corresponding to the different series present grossly common variations on decadal time scales; relative phases and amplitude ratios between the observatories change with the same time constants. The results are briefly discussed with regards to commonly received theories of the semiannual variation of magnetic activity, and some possible mechanisms for the observed geographical variability are suggested.