Environmental Effects of Atmospheric Electric Processes of Very Low Frequency
Herbert L. König · 1965
This 1965 research established early scientific foundation for studying how very low frequency electromagnetic fields affect environmental and biological systems.
Plain English Summary
This 1965 technical report by König examined the environmental effects of very low frequency (VLF) atmospheric electrical processes. The research focused on understanding how natural and artificial VLF electromagnetic fields in the atmosphere might impact the environment. This work represents early scientific investigation into VLF electromagnetic phenomena and their potential biological effects.
Why This Matters
This 1965 research by König represents pioneering work in understanding very low frequency electromagnetic effects on biological systems. VLF frequencies (3-30 kHz) are particularly relevant today because they're used in military communications, navigation systems, and occur naturally in atmospheric phenomena like lightning. What makes this early research significant is that it predates much of our modern EMF exposure from wireless technology, yet already recognized the need to study environmental impacts of electromagnetic fields.
The reality is that VLF exposure has only increased since 1965. Modern sources include power line harmonics, switching power supplies in electronics, and intentional VLF transmitters. While VLF frequencies are lower than cell phone radiation, they can penetrate deeply into biological tissue and travel great distances through the Earth's atmosphere. This foundational research helped establish the scientific framework for understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with living systems.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 2 hours/day for 30 days
Study Details
To investigate the existence of electromagnetic signals in the atmosphere in the frequency range between 1 Hz and 12 Hz and determine their influence on the environment, particularly on human reaction time, skin resistance, and biological systems.
Measurements were conducted using conventional wire antennas, ground antennas, and specially designe...
Type I signals (9 Hz, sinusoidal) were detected during fair weather with pronounced afternoon maximu...
Atmospheric electric processes in the VLF range (1-25 Hz) have measurable effects on the environment. These signals influence human reaction time and skin resistance, affect molting processes in aphids, and impact bacterial growth, yeast development, and wheat seedling length. The results suggest that these natural electromagnetic processes may be considered as biotropic factors affecting human health and biological systems.
Show BibTeX
@article{environmental_effects_of_atmospheric_electric_processes_of_very_low_frequency_g4020,
author = {Herbert L. König},
title = {Environmental Effects of Atmospheric Electric Processes of Very Low Frequency},
year = {1965},
}