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Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951

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Effects of geomagnetic activity variations on the physiological

and psychological state of functionally healthy humans:
Some results of Azerbaijani studies
a,* b
Elchin S. Babayev , Aysel A. Allahverdiyeva
a
Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory (ShAO) named after N. Tusi, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences,
10, Istiglaliyyat Street, Presidium of Academy, Baku AZ-1001, The Republic of Azerbaijan
b
Institute of Physiology named after academician A.I.Garayev, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, 2, Sharif-zadeh Street, Baku AZ-1100,
The Republic of Azerbaijan

Received 15 October 2006; received in revised form 14 February 2007; accepted 15 February 2007

Abstract

There are collaborative and cross-disciplinary space weather studies in the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences conducted with
purposes of revealing possible effects of solar, geomagnetic and cosmic ray variability on certain technological, biological and ecological
systems. This paper describes some results of the experimental studies of influence of the periodical and aperiodical changes of geomag-
netic activity upon human brain, human health and psycho-emotional state. It also covers the conclusions of studies on influence of vio-
lent solar events and severe geomagnetic storms of the solar cycle 23 on the mentioned systems in middle-latitude location. It is
experimentally established that weak and moderate geomagnetic storms do not cause significant changes in the brain’s bioelectrical activ-
ity and exert only stimulating influence while severe disturbances of geomagnetic conditions cause negative influence, seriously disinte-
grate brain’s functionality, activate braking processes and amplify the negative emotional background of an individual. It is concluded
that geomagnetic disturbances affect mainly emotional and vegetative spheres of human beings while characteristics reflecting personality
properties do not undergo significant changes.
Ó 2007 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Space weather; Geomagnetic storms; Heliobiology; Human brain’s bioelectrical activity; Human health state; Psycho-emotional state

1. Introduction When the geomagnetic environment is disturbed, it can

The Sun is the source of heat and light that maintain
Earth’s habitable environment, and serves as the ultimate
source of energy for life itself. It is also the origin of visible
and invisible influence that affects the Earth, Earth’s space
environment, and poses a health and safety threat to
humans and all kinds of human activities (Bothmer and
Daglis, 2006; Breus et al., 2002; Song et al., 2001). The geo-
magnetic field which protects the Earth from solar wind
and cosmic rays is also essential to the evolution of life.
*
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: ebabayev@yahoo.com (E.S. Babayev), ali_doctor@
mail.ru (A.A. Allahverdiyeva).
have either direct or indirect effect on human physiology
even the magnitude of disturbance is small.
As our society becomes increasingly dependent on vari-
ous technologies, our dependence on space weather
becomes more obvious, and the need to understand it
and mitigate its effects becomes more urgent (Jansen
et al., 2000; Daglis, 2001; Vladimirskii et al., 2004). Protect-
ing technologies and human beings from space weather
effects requires both timely knowledge of current condi-
tions in space and the ability to forecast space weather
disturbances with adequate advance notice as well as to
take protective measures. These measures will be successful
only if we better understand the basic processes of space
weather impacts on the Earth and humans.

0273-1177/$30 Ó 2007 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1016/j.asr.2007.02.099
1942 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
The problem of how changes of heliogeophysical condi-
tions may affect human health on the Earth and human
activities encompasses many unknown factors and is of
cross-disciplinary study character. Mankind has long been
ignoring the wide-ranging effects that space weather could
have: as a result, the ‘‘cosmic causes’’ behind many distur-
bances to biological, ecological and technological systems
probably went unrecognized. Since the damage caused by
space weather could be limited to some parts or compo-
nents within a system without entailing an immediate prob-
lem, other reasons are often considered to be the primary
cause and no link with space weather is recognized.
The possibility that solar activity variations and related
changes in the Earth’s magnetosphere can affect human life
and health has been debated for many decades. This prob-
lem is being studied extensively in the late 20th and early
21st centuries. Much work has been conducted in the for-
mer Soviet countries, mostly in Russia and therefore has
not been accessible to non-Russian-speaking scientists,
although there were some reviews and original papers on
the subject (for example, Davydov et al., 1996). Moreover,
much of the literature published on the subject of heliobi-
ology is ambiguous and sometimes contradictory. Possible
mechanisms of influence of variations of solar and geo-
physical parameters on human health are still discussed.
The relations between space weather changes and the
human health have global implications, but they are espe-
cially important for habitants living at high geomagnetic
latitudes where the geomagnetic disturbances have larger
amplitudes. Nevertheless, the relevant researches are also
important for humans living at any geomagnetic latitudes.
Unfortunately, limited comparison of results of investiga-
tions on possible effects to humans from geomagnetic activ-
ity exists between studies conducted in high, middle and
low latitudes. Knowledge about the relationship between
solar and geomagnetic activity and the human health
would allow to get better prepared beforehand for any
future geomagnetic event and its impacts anywhere.
Expansion of research activities in the field of space
weather and studies of its effects, occurring everywhere in
the world, has undoubtedly influenced the Azerbaijani sci-
entific community, and multilateral investigations of these
problems were initiated several years ago. Taking into
account that some of the space weather events and their
effects can be devastating (like those recently occurred in
October–November 2003, with violent solar events and
severe geomagnetic storms), and with purposes of gaining
better knowledge about potential effects of solar and geo-
magnetic storms and cosmic rays, particularly in middle
latitudes, on human life and health and some ecological
and technological systems, we are conducting theoretical,
experimental and statistical studies in the Azerbaijan
National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) (Allahverdiyev
et al., 2001; Babayev, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006).
Some of major results on complex and multi-disciplin-
ary studies of the influence of changes in geomagnetic
activity (GMA) on human physiological and psycho-phys-
iological parameters and behavior reactions are provided in
this paper. We have studied the possible impact of geomag-
netic storms of various strengths on the human brain activ-
ity and its functional state; the electroencephalographic
(EEG) investigations were used as the most objective
research method. The results of experimental investigations
of possible effects of changes in geomagnetic activity on the
emotional-affective sphere and personality characteristics
of functionally healthy persons, using Luscher’s Color Test
and other relevant psychological tests, are provided below.
Physiological and mental health effects and possible conse-
quences are also investigated.
2. Solar and geomagnetic activity and human health state
Since the mid-20th century, quite enough studies were
devoted to the question how the Sun and the Earth’s mag-
netosphere can affect human life and health. Palmer et al.
(2006) summarized some of the major works performed in
the field of heliobiology – the branch of science that deals
with the impact of solar activity on living organisms –
over the last 30 years. Their three definite conclusions are:
geomagnetic effects are more pronounced at higher mag-
netic latitudes; extremely high as well as extremely low val-
ues of geomagnetic activity seem to have adverse health
effects; and a subset of the population (10–15%) is predis-
posed to adverse health due to geomagnetic variations. Pos-
sible mechanisms of how variations in solar and geophysical
parameters could affect human health are discussed, and the
most likely candidates are further investigated (Stoupel,
2006; Stoupel et al., 2004).
Cornelissen et al. (2002) showed that the incidence of
mortality due to myocardial infraction (MI) increases in
Minnesota, USA, by 5% during years of maximum solar
activity compared to years of minimum activity. They con-
clude that there is an additional risk of MI during solar
maximum compared to solar minimum, which implies an
additional risk during high levels of geomagnetic activity.
Some studies report an additional risk whenever the
level of geomagnetic activity deviates from its ‘‘nominal’’
level. For example, Shumilov et al. (2003) reports that
not only high levels but also extremely low levels of geo-
magnetic activity have an adverse affect on human health.
Dimitrova (2006) and Dimitrova and Stoilova (2002,
2003) have investigated the influence of everyday changes
in geomagnetic activity on the systolic and diastolic blood
pressure, pulse-rate, behavior reactions and subjective
complaints by humans. Based on physiological parameters
and statistical analyses, they studied effects of these
changes and the level of GMA affecting human physiolog-
ical reactions.
Gurfinkel’ et al. (1998) showed that during geomagnetic
storms, number of cases of myocardial infraction increases
2.5 times, number of acute cerebral insults – 2 times, angina
pectoris and cardiac arrhythmia – 1.5 times, and deaths –
1.2 times, with respect to periods without geomagnetic
storms.
 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951 1943

Studies show (see, for example, the following papers and nal/environmental physical activity can be a trigger influ-
references therein: Breus and Rapoport, 2003; Palmer encing human health state.
et al., 2006) that during periods of severe geomagnetic dis- Studies and research on biological responses to geomag-
turbances, number of hospitalized patients with nervous netic field and its fluctuations by humans and organisms
diseases significantly increases; cerebral insults, different and therapeutic/prophylactic benefits can have future
paroxysmal conditions, nervous disturbance disorders beneficial applications for the society.
and suicidal attempts are more frequent, and psycho-neu-
rological diseases become aggravated.
3. Effects of changes in geomagnetic activity on the
During high solar activity periods, the predominance of
functional state of the human brain
maniacal phases in patients suffering from manic-depres-
sive psychosis is of frequent and short-duration nature.
3.1. Experiments
When there is stabilization in geomagnetic conditions, the
maniacal phase is replaced by the depressive stage. It
We have studied the possible influence of geomagnetic
should be pointed out that during strong geomagnetic dis-
disturbances on the functional state of the human brain
turbances, an endurance to mental and physical stresses is
of functionally healthy adults in different physiological
decreased; there appears a danger of disorder for people
states by the help of EEG investigations reflecting func-
whose professional work is connected to high-level respon-
tional state of the human brain.
sibility, like surgeons, dispatchers, drivers, pilots, etc.
Our experiments covered the pre-maximum and maxi-
Negative influence of the geomagnetic field disturbances
mum years as well as the whole descending phase of the
on human health is well displayed by the nervous system.
current solar activity cycle 23 which had several periods
Geomagnetic storms, as any stress factor, influence the
of very intense space weather activity, notably, in July
functional state of humans and as such, impact the central
2000 (‘‘Bastille Event’’), April 2001, October–November
nervous (the brain and spinal cord) system. This system
2003 (‘‘Halloween Event’’); the latter has been acknowl-
behaves as a sensitive screen, perceiving even weak distur-
edged as one of the most violent Sun–Earth connection
bance fluctuations (oscillations) in the environment (Baev-
events on record, therefore it was unique for our
sky, 1979; Mikhailova, 2001).
experiments.
Both the central and the vegetative nervous systems of a
Comparison of the data taken during the aforemen-
human being are sensitive and responsive to geomagnetic
tioned days with severe geomagnetic storms with the data
disturbances.
obtained during relatively quiet and moderately disturbed
Investigation of bioelectric activity of the human brain,
geomagnetic activity days, as well as interpretation of the
which reflects a continuum of functional conditions, is, in
results, were carried out. As the most widely used parame-
our opinion, an adequate way to study a condition of cere-
ters of geomagnetic activity in biomedical problems, daily
bral cortex (the outer layer of the cerebrum) of the big
variations of the Ap-index as well as Dst-index were used
hemispheres and cortico–subcortical interrelations. There-
in our research alongside with other space weather
fore, in our research the electroencephalographic investiga-
parameters.
tions are used as the most objective research method
Geomagnetic activity was divided into several levels
reflecting functional state of the human brain (Babayev
according to the values of the Ap and Kp indices. Geomag-
et al., 2006; Babayev and Allahverdiyeva, 2005).
netic activity levels and their gradations, according to the
In this paper, the results of studies of the possible influ-
geomagnetic Ap and Kp indices, are defined in Table 1
ence of the Sun–Earth connection events (solar and
(Stoupel et al., 2004). The geomagnetic activity data were
geomagnetic storms of various strengths) on the human
taken from different sources, including Internet resources.
brain activity, its functional state, as well as on the emo-
During the period of our investigations, there were quite
tional-affective sphere and personality characteristics of
a few moderate and major geomagnetic storms (for exam-
functionally healthy persons are described. This problem
ple, March 31, 2001; November 8–10, 2004; and January
is very complicated because many factors affect a human
17–19, May 17, June 15, August 24, September 11–12,
organism; these factors, in turn, are interconnected and
2005; and so on), as well as some severe/extreme storms
are clearly reflected in a human’s functional state. Great
like the one in July 2000 or October–November 2003.
care needs to be taken in order to collate geophysical and
physiological–biological–medical data; it is difficult to
attribute specific agents to changes in human health and 3.2. Methods of research
behavior since we all live within a network of tremendous
complexity. In addition to time-varied influence of geo- Each cerebral hemisphere of the human brain is divided
magnetic field on human beings, the Earth is submerged into four lobes: the frontal lobe (responsible for reasoning,
in artificial electromagnetic fields created by mankind and emotions, judgment, and voluntary movement); the tempo-
called ‘‘electro-smog’’. Alongside with above-mentioned ral lobe (contains centers of hearing, smells, and memory);
medical–biological, meteorological, social, anthropogenic the parietal lobe (responsible for touch and spoken lan-
and other factors, disturbances and variations in the exter- guage ability); and the occipital lobe (the region at the back
1944 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
Table 1
Geomagnetic activity (GMA) levels according to Ap and Kp indices
GMA level/category Ap-index range
0
Quiet (I ) 0 < Ap < 8
Unsettled (II0) 8 6 Ap < 16
Active (III0) 16 6 Ap < 30
Minor storm (IV0) 30 6 Ap < 50
Major storm (IV) 50 6 Ap < 100
Severe storm (IV) 100 6 Ap
of each cerebral hemisphere that is responsible for centers
of vision and reading ability).
The brain is a massive source of extremely-low-frequency
(ELF) signals that get transmitted throughout the body via
the nervous system, which is sensitive to magnetic fields.
Brainwaves and natural biorhythms can be affected by
external factors. Brainwaves have only been studied since
the mid-1920s, and their signal form that is apparently most
widely known and identified, is called the alpha-rhythm.
The electroencephalograph, a graphical recorder of the
electrical activity of the brain, measures brainwaves of dif-
ferent frequencies within the brain with the help of elec-
trodes that are placed on the scalp to obtain information.
Rhythmicity in the EEG is a key variable in the coordina-
tion of cortical activity. Electrodes are placed on specific
sites on the scalp to detect and record the electrical
impulses within the brain. Amplitude represents the power
of electrical impulses generated by the brain. Volume or
intensity of brainwave activity is measured in micro-volts.
Raw EEG frequency bands include gamma (higher than
30 Hz), beta- (14–30 Hz), alpha- (7–13 Hz), theta- (4–7 Hz)
and delta- (less than 4 Hz) waves. Their ranges overlap
along the frequency spectrum by 0.5 Hz or more. These fre-
quencies are linked to behavior, subjective feeling states,
physiological correlates, etc.
Twenty-seven functionally healthy females (permanent
group), aged between 20 and 40 years old, selected from
the same geographical area (Baku, 40°22 0 0000 N and
49°53 0 0000 E), were chosen for long-term investigations con-
ducted at geomagnetically quiet (favorable) days, in the days
with weakly-disturbed, and strongly-disturbed (unfavor-
able) geomagnetic conditions. There is some evidence that
women are more sensitive to space weather changes than
men (Dimitrova and Stoilova, 2003; Stoupel et al., 2002).
In our experiments, the data record of bioelectric activ-
ity of the human brain was performed by the electroen-
cephalograph ‘‘Medicor’’, a multi-channel (16 channels)
recorder, designed to register the physiological characteris-
tics. The registration of spontaneous EEG by a mono-polar
way from 16 standard leads arranged pursuant to the inter-
national system of ‘‘10–20’’. The experiments were carried
out in the standard way using forehead (frontal), central,
parietal, occipital and temporal areas of both hemispheres
of the human brain.
Parallel registration of the electrocardiogram (ECG)
was conducted. We also registered systolic and diastolic
blood pressure and pulse-rate using an electronic device.
Typical Kp values Amplitude (nanotesla)
Usually > 3 0–20
Usually > 3 21–40
Few indices of 4 41–70
Mostly 4 and 5 71–120
Some indices 6 121–200
Some indices 6 201–>550
Daily changes of meteorological situation in Baku dur-
ing the experiments were taken into account. In order to
avoid possible psychological effects prior to experiments,
the test subjects were not familiarized with space weather
conditions before and during experiments. The experiments
were conducted in hospital in isolated designated and ‘‘nor-
mal’’ rooms.
The EEG measurements of the physiological parameters
were performed every day for each person at the same time
of the day during geomagnetically quiet days. In the days
with different levels of disturbances of geomagnetic condi-
tions the experiments were carried out several times.
Results of Haraldson and Gissurarson (1987) suggest
that the mental state of an individual is a very important
factor, affecting that individual’s reaction to geomagnetic
disturbances. Therefore we have created compact question-
naires reflecting each individual’s feelings before measure-
ments and her subjective complaints (such as quality of
night sleep, exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, headache, ver-
tigo, nausea, working ability, palpitation, heart thumping,
tachycardia, arrhythmia, and so on). All female patients
were examined during their inter-menstrual period.
Experiments were performed with quiet and active
awakeners in conditions: (a) with open eyes, (b) with closed
eyes, (c) in the state of relaxation, (d) under photo-stimula-
tion, and (e) in the process of a hyperventilation.
The original records of EEG obtained under different
functional conditions, relevant digital data and registered
curves, were stored in a computer. Later on, after removal
of artifact segments, the data were qualitatively and quan-
titatively processed, and the analysis using the software
‘‘Conan’’ was applied.
Spectral and amplitude mapping, correlation and peri-
odical-metric analyses were performed. Frequency and
amplitude cartograms, obtained for different functional
conditions, reflect features of the human brain functioning
at comparatively quiet days and in the days with severe
geomagnetic storms (Figs. 1–4). Only selected pictures are
provided in this paper due to space limitations. These pic-
tures represent the typical trends rather well.
Spectral (Fourier), correlation and cross-correlation
analyses were performed with the help of the software
STATISTICA, version 6 (StatSoft Inc., 2001) and SPSS,
version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., 2003). In our analyses, influence
of some of the factors deduced from the physiological
parameters turned out to be statistically significant at
p < 0.05 (p is a level of significance).
 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951 1945

Fig. 1. Example of EEG and total amplitude cartogram during relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions.

Fig. 2. Example of EEG and total amplitude cartogram during severe geomagnetic storms.

Fig. 3. Typical EEG and correlogram during relatively quiet geomagnetic conditions.

3.3. Results In original EEGs, different colors correspond to various

levels of amplitudes on cartograms and various levels of
The main results are described below. Special attention correlations on correlograms. One can find detailed infor-
is paid to the influence of severe geomagnetic storms on mation in the figure captions. On the right hand side of
the human behavior. each figure, there is a view of the brain from above where
1946 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
Fig. 4. Typical EEG and correlogram during major geomagnetic storms.
the front shows the nasofrontal part and the back the
occipital part; L and R on the pictures determine left and
right sides of the human brain (see Figs. 1–4).
In the total (summed) amplitude cartograms, different
colors reflect voltage of electrical activity in various areas
of cortex of the big hemispheres; smaller values correspond
to the darker colors.
Correlations can be either intra-hemispherical or inter-
hemispherical. In our research, significant changes during
the days with severe geomagnetic storms have been regis-
tered in intra-hemispherical correlations. The dark colors,
such as brown and red, show high correlation (i.e., high
similarity of activity of various areas). The blue color
means the low correlation or absence of similarity of activ-
ities, while light colors correspond to intermediate
correlation.
The correlograms reveal high intra-hemispherical corre-
lations on the right hemisphere and they become closed on
temporal area, while the correlations of the left hemisphere
are not essential and they are almost the same as in days
with quiet geomagnetic conditions.
Figure notations are common in neurophysiology (even
numbers correspond to the right hemisphere, odd ones to
the left hemisphere): Fp is frontal pole, F is frontal area,
C is central area, D is parietal area, I is occipital area,
O2 and O7 are front temporal areas, O3 and O4 are medial
temporal areas, O5 and O6 are back temporal areas.
3.3.1. Functional state of the human brain in days with weak
geomagnetic disturbances
There were almost no significant complaints about the
functional state in periods of weakly-disturbed geomag-
netic conditions (only in some cases a weakness was noted).
Analysis of studies conducted during the periods of
weak geomagnetic disturbances showed shifts, mainly seen
in the frequency spectra of brainwaves. Insignificant rise of
dominating frequency was observed. Groups of synchronic
alpha- (7–13 Hz) and theta- (4–7 Hz) waves, with ampli-
tudes slightly exceeding the background and appearing
mainly at loading, were bilaterally-synchronically regis-
tered at antero-central areas.
No pathological activity and paroxysmal phenomenon,
including paroxysmal-similar signs, were registered. Inter-
zonal distinctions were clearly traced. Reactivity of domi-
nating alpha-rhythm somewhat decreased.
3.3.2. Functional state of the human brain in days with severe
geomagnetic disturbances
Our investigations have revealed complaints such as an
indisposition, weakness and presence of indistinct localized
headaches in days with severe geomagnetic storms by the
majority of the participants. Note that these results are in
conformity with the conclusions of the paper by Dimitrova
and Stoilova (2003).
During the days with severe geomagnetic storms, a bio-
electric activity of the human brain was characterized by
reduction of frequencies of dominating rhythm, by amplifi-
cation (strengthening) of expressiveness of slow-wave com-
ponent (mainly a theta-rhythm) and by increase in
amplitude of activity. Typical examples of EEG and total
(summed) amplitude cartograms at the relatively quiet
and severely disturbed conditions are shown in Figs. 1
and 2, accordingly. We have observed the forms of waves
with pointed outlines, and strengthening of the process of
the activity synchronization.
The flashes of pointed and sharp alpha- and theta-
waves, prevalent in the right cerebral hemisphere, were reg-
istered during our experiments in the days with severe geo-
magnetic storms (Fig. 2). Smoothing of inter-zonal
distinctions was observed as well.
During the hyperventilation process, observable flashes
of both pointed and sharp alpha- and theta-rhythms were
amplified, and their amplitude was increased as well.
For a part of the participants, diffuse synchronization
was traced in the frequency ranges of alpha1- and
alpha2-rhythms. Reactivity of dominating activity was
weakened, and reactions of adopting a rhythm were
observed on lower frequencies of the alpha-range.
 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
The figure of the correlation interrelations, inherent to
various functional conditions, was broken. Inter-hemi-
spheric asymmetry was revealed. Temporal area of the
right cerebral hemisphere had the leading role in the inter-
relations (Fig. 2). Activation of rostral-temporal and cau-
dal-temporal connections (links) of the right hemisphere
was marked. Typical EEG and correlograms during the rel-
atively quiet and disturbed geomagnetic conditions are
shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
3.4. Discussion
Our results prove the significant changes in the activity
of the human brain occurring during the days with severe
geomagnetic storms, and reflecting infringement of func-
tions on both central integrative mechanisms and local pro-
cesses of brain regulation.
It is well known that the most sensitive sections of the
human brain, influenced by negative factors of an environ-
ment, are hypothalamus (a region in the upper part of the
brainstem that acts as a relay to the pituitary gland; it con-
trols body temperature, circadian cycles, sleep, moods, hor-
monal body processes, hunger, and thirst) and cerebral
cortex of the big hemispheres of the human brain (Kopa-
nev and Shakula, 1985).
The increased presence of theta- and alpha-rhythms car-
rying flash-like character signifies dysfunction of mesodien-
cephalitic sections within the limits of which hypothalamic
nucleus is located. Considering hypothalamus as a leading
part of non-specific systems of the human brain (Soloveva
et al., 1986) and responsible for neuroendocrinal and vege-
tative regulation, one should mention that severe geomag-
netic storms infringe normal activity of this structure,
causing imbalance in ergo- and tropho–tropic (coordi-
nated) interrelations. In days with weak geomagnetic
storms, an order of this dysfunction was low and it was
mainly traced at functional loadings, i.e., at a transfer of
an organism from the state of rest to an active state.
The dysfunction, registered on EEG in the days with
severe geomagnetic storms and reflecting ascending ‘‘sen-
dings’’ of non-specific systems, undoubtedly affects
descending directions as well, causing complex vegetative
complaints observed in the majority of examinees.
At the same time, one should note that pointed and
sharp flashes of theta- and alpha-range waves observed in
some participants on the days with severe geomagnetic
storms, testify the paroxysmal character of the infringe-
ments, pointing to a reduction of a threshold of convulsive
(spasmodic) readiness of mesodiencephalitic formations
followed by relevant clinical-neuropsychological
consequences.
It is well established that, together with the detected spe-
cific changes, complex of non-specific shifts on the EEG
reflects disorganization of functional activity of the cortex
of large hemispheres of the human brain on geomagneti-
cally disturbed days, which is most likely connected with
dysfunction of integrative subcortical systems and disbal-
1947
ance of its ascending synchronizing and desynchronizing
influences. The disbalance of these mechanisms infringes
the optimal functioning of the integrated brain and
destroys a normal order of cortico–subcortical correla-
tions, which, in turn, finally affects emotional and idea-
tional activities.
Observed prevalence of changes in the right cerebral
hemisphere proves the importance (‘‘interest’’) of the right
hemisphere. According to Pereverzeva (1980), activation of
the right hemisphere is accompanied by negative tinge of
emotional reactions. Based on this fact, one can assume
that during significant disturbances of geomagnetic condi-
tions the negative emotional background of a person is
amplified. This assumption is also proven by the results
of the correlation analysis focused on strengthening corti-
cal connections in the right cortical hemisphere and their
short circuit on temporal sections, while, on geomagneti-
cally quiet days, a profile of correlation interrelations has
reflected weak internal and inter-hemispheric connections.
It is concluded that changes in GMA mostly affect the
activity of regulating systems related to high cortical mech-
anisms of regulation and subcortical integrative
apparatuses.
4. Emotional-affective sphere of women in the days with
different levels of geomagnetic activity
4.1. Experiments and methods
Sporadic and impulsive manifestations of solar and geo-
magnetic activity can be considered as ‘‘failures’’ of rela-
tively regular rhythms of heliogeophysical factors. Studies
of the influence of geomagnetic disturbances on mental
illness and depression that can sometimes lead to suicide
were conducted in different geomagnetic latitudes. Yip
et al. (1998) have found out that suicide rate reaches its
peak during spring and summer. Partonen et al. (2004)
from Finland claimed that geomagnetic storms had no
effect on the risk of suicide but they reported about the
bimodal distribution of suicides throughout the year,
reaching the peak in spring and autumn which coincide
with the times of maximum geomagnetic disturbance. Hal-
berg et al. (2005) showed a similar bimodal distribution in
Minnesota. Kay (1994) investigated the hypothesis that
geomagnetic storms account in part for the seasonal varia-
tion in the incidence of depression, by acting as a precipi-
tant of depressive illness in susceptible individuals. The
data showed a statistically significant 36% increase in male
hospital admissions in UK, with a diagnosis of depressed
phase, manic-depressive illness in the second week follow-
ing a solar storm, compared with geomagnetically quiet
periods. Geomagnetic variations of solar origin correlate
with enhanced anxiety, sleep disturbances, altered moods,
and greater incidences of psychiatric admissions (Persinger,
1987). Hainsworth (1983) suggests that other factors affect-
ing the apparent connection between geophysical parame-
ters and biological effects are of geographical nature.
1948 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
We are conducting experimental studies of the possible
influence of geomagnetic disturbances and/or storms of
various strengths on emotional-affective sphere and per-
sonality characteristics of functionally healthy adults in
middle-latitude location (Azerbaijan) (Allahverdiyeva
et al., 2003). Some major results of these complex investiga-
tions are provided in this paper.
Functional health state, age, sex and other factors, such
as a geographical location, social and personal problems
were taken into account in the formation of the participant
group, and this information was used during these experi-
ments. The experiments were carried out with the perma-
nent group of functionally healthy 27 adult women of
ages ranging from 20 to 40 years old and from the same city
(Baku). They were subjected to experiments on geomagnet-
ically quiet (favorable) days as well as on days with weakly,
moderately, and strongly-disturbed geomagnetic condi-
tions. Experimental results concurring with the menstrual
periods of female participants were excluded from the
consideration.
Daily monitoring and analysis of space weather (param-
eters of solar, geomagnetic, and cosmic ray activities) as
well as meteorological (temperature, atmospheric pressure,
humidity, wind speed, etc.) conditions were performed. To
avoid possible subjective psychological influence upon par-
ticipants, they were not familiarized with space weather
conditions in advance.
Experiments correspond to the period of economical
and societal stability in the country and cover all phases
(ascending, maximum, and descending) of the solar activity
cycle 23, thus they are rather conclusive.
The experimental dataset was filtered as much as possi-
ble, in order to remove subjective (seasonal, social, etc.)
factors.
Usually, psychological functions and emotional-affec-
tive status of a human being are investigated using cer-
tain psychological testing methods. Experimental studies
reveal that non-verbal tests are the most effective meth-
ods due to several positive advantages, such as the
absence of language barrier and necessity of its adapta-
tion to a given population of the tested group. One of
the well-known non-verbal psychological tests, the
‘‘Luscher’s Color Test’’, developed by Dr. Max Luscher
(Luscher, 1969), was applied in our experiments to
study the features of personality and actual affective
syndromes as well as to define the conditions of emo-
tional-affective sphere for different levels of geomagnetic
activity and during geomagnetic storms of various inten-
sity (weak, moderate, major, severe). These results were
compared with those obtained during geomagnetically
quiet days.
Luscher’s Color Test allows a rapid and deep personal-
ity analysis to be made from color ranking information,
measures a person’s psychophysical state, his or her ability
to withstand stress, to perform, and to communicate. There
are no subjective factors either when administering the test
or during its diagnostic evaluation.
The following psychological scales were used for deter-
mining different levels of emotional-affective sphere and
personality characteristics:
1. Levels of anxiety (uneasiness or anxiousness) – Person-
ality Scale of Manifest Anxiety developed by J. Teylor
(Taylor, 1953) and adapted by T.A. Nemchin.
2. Levels of reactive and personal anxiety – Scale of Self-
Rating developed by Ch. Spilberger (http://www.web-
psychology.narod.ru/Testspil.htm) and adapted by Yu.
Khanin.
3. Levels of depression – Depression Rating Scale developed
in the Scientific Research Institute of Psychoneurology
named after V.M. Bekhterev, St. Petersburg, Russia.
The results of psychological testing were subjected to
analysis, and the criteria of reliability for groups were cal-
culated using relevant mathematical methods. Parametrical
methods of statistical correlation analysis (Pearson
method) and Student’s t-test were used in our studies.
The correlation and cross-correlation analyses were con-
ducted using the aforementioned software STATISTICA
and SPSS. The differences in parameters turned out to be
statistically significant at p < 0.05 (p is a level of
significance).
4.2. Results
Our experimental studies performed with the non-verbal
Luscher’s Color Test (LCT) have revealed that the most
informative characteristics connected with the degree of
severity of geomagnetic disturbances were the coefficients
of vegetative balance (VB), workability (performance effi-
ciency) and stress level. Averaged values characterizing per-
sonality characteristics and the state of emotional-affective
sphere and determined in our experiments using the Lus-
cher Color Test for different levels of geomagnetic distur-
bances are provided in Table 2.
A person’s workability index (WAI) is relatively easy
and can be used for studies both at an individual and a
group level. WAI is a parameter used in occupational
health care, and it helps to maintain work ability. The con-
fidential WAI questionnaire contains questions about
work, factors affecting person’s ability to do job and per-
son’s general health. The results can help determine factors
that may lead to a reduction of person’s ability to work and
in general health and wellness over time.
Stress level can be defined as the sum of physical and
mental responses (components) to an unacceptable dispar-
ity between real or imagined personal experience and per-
sonal expectations. Mental responses to stress include
adaptive stress, anxiety, and depression. If stress enhances
function (physical or mental), it may be considered good
stress. However, if stress persists and is excessive, it eventu-
ally leads to a need for resolution, which may lead either to
anxious (escape) or depressive (withdrawal) behavior. Clin-
ical depression (also called major depressive disorder) is a
 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951 1949

Table 2
Personality characteristics and state of emotional-affective sphere determined by the help of Luscher Color Test at different levels of geomagnetic
disturbances
N Indexes reflecting psycho-physiological Geomagnetic disturbance levels
state and emotional-affective sphere
Quiet Moderate Severe
Index Probability Index Probability Index Probability
1 Index of vegetative balance 0.1 ± 0.02 p < 0.001 2.2 ± 0.6 p < 0.05 1.8 ± 0.9 p < 0.01
2 Workability index 13.3 ± 1.0 p < 0.05 18.0 ± 1.7 p < 0.05 14.0 ± 0.6 p < 0.05
3 Index of stress level 7.9 ± 3.1 p < 0.001 24.4 ± 3.5 p < 0.001 6.2 ± 2.8 p < 0.001

state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has

advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individual’s
social functioning and/or daily life.
Anxiety is a common emotion along with fear, anger,
sadness, and happiness, and it has a very important func-
tion in relation to survival. Level of anxiety is often
described as having cognitive, somatic, emotional, and
behavioral components. Emotionally, anxiety causes a
sense of dread or panic, while physically it causes nausea,
and chills. Both voluntary and involuntary behavior may
be directed at escaping or avoiding the source of anxiety.
It was established that unlike characteristics of personal-
ity balance, concentricity and heteronomy, the parameters Fig. 6. Changes of workability index for different levels of geomagnetic
activity.
reflecting a state of vegetative sphere significantly differed
and were dependent on the strength of geomagnetic storms.
On the days with moderate geomagnetic storms, the tone of
sympathetic nervous system dominated, while during peri-
ods of increased geomagnetic disturbances, characteristics
of vegetative balance reflected the prevalence of parasym-
pathetic innervations (Fig. 5).
LCT-determined workability index had the greatest
value on the days with moderate geomagnetic storms
(Fig. 6). Workability index on the days of severe geomag-
netic conditions did not differ significantly from the index
established during geomagnetically quiet days.
One of the interesting results is that indexes (or charac-
teristics) reflecting the stress level have reached large values
in the days with moderate geomagnetic storms (Fig. 7). The
stress levels were comparatively low under either relatively
Fig. 7. Changes of stress level index for different levels of geomagnetic
quiet or severe geomagnetic conditions. Observed differ-
activity.
ences were reliable (CI is 95%).

Fig. 5. Changes of vegetative balance index for different levels of Fig. 8. Changes of anxiousness index for different levels of geomagnetic
geomagnetic activity. activity.
1950 E.S. Babayev, A.A. Allahverdiyeva / Advances in Space Research 40 (2007) 1941–1951
The indexes of reactive anxiousness were increased in
the days with severe geomagnetic disturbances (Fig. 8),
while characteristics of personal anxiousness did not
change significantly.
5. Summary and conclusion
Understanding the physical links between space weather
sources and short- and long-term effects on human health
at different geomagnetic latitudes is invaluable, especially
for mitigation and preventive measures.
This work describes the results of research undertaken in
the field of clinical heliobiology, focusing on the effect of
variations of geomagnetic activity on human health. The
experiments, as well as statistical and biomedical analyses
performed, confirm the influence of changes of GMA on
the human brain’s functional state and psycho-emotional
state of humans.
Results of our studies on the possible influence of geo-
magnetic storms of various strengths on the human brain’s
functional state could be summarized as follows:
– there were an indisposition, weakness and presence of
indistinct localized headaches revealed during the days
with severe geomagnetic storms for the majority of the
experiment participants;
– there were almost no significant complaints about func-
tional state in periods of weakly-disturbed geomagnetic
conditions;
– weak and severe geomagnetic storms affect the func-
tional state of the human brain in a different way;
– during severe disturbances of geomagnetic conditions,
the negative emotional background of a person is
amplified;
– it is established that weak and moderate geomagnetic
storms exert stimulating influence while the strong dis-
turbances of the geomagnetic conditions activate brak-
ing (inhibiting) processes;
– in the days of weak geomagnetic disturbances, no signif-
icant changes in the human brain activity were observed.
Some negligible shifts, registered in several examinees,
reflected an increased activity of mesodiencephalitic
structures usually observed during the activation of an
organism;
– in comparison with the above-mentioned results, in the
days with severe geomagnetic storms the human brain’s
activity is seriously disintegrated. The normal function-
ing of integrative non-specific systems, located within
the limits of limbric-reticular complex and responsible
for creation of the relevant level of wakefulness, which
is directed on realization of optimum current activity
of an organism, is broken. The imbalance of activating
and deactivating mechanisms also includes dysfunctions
of ergo- and tropho–tropic over-segmentary centers;
– the threshold of convulsive (spasmodic) readiness of the
human brain is reduced; this is particularly dangerous
for a person at high risk (vulnerable to physiological dis-
orders) and, as a result, this fact should be taken into
account for preventive measures and therapy of parox-
ysmal conditions.
The results on the possible influence of geomagnetic dis-
turbances and/or storms of various strengths on emo-
tional-affective sphere and personality characteristics of
healthy adults, obtained in our experiments, lead to the fol-
lowing conclusions:
– geomagnetic disturbances affect mainly the emotional
and vegetative sphere of human beings;
– characteristics reflecting personality properties do not
undergo significant changes;
– changes in geomagnetic conditions mostly affect the
activity of regulating systems, which are related to high
cortical mechanisms of regulation and subcortical inte-
grative apparatuses responsible for organization of rou-
tine activity of an organism, and for adaptation to
changes of a physical environment.
The mechanisms of solar activity that influence biologi-
cal systems through variations of the geomagnetic field are
still being studied. Complex and synchronic investigation
of geomagnetic storms’ effects on human brain in different
latitudinal and longitudinal areas of the globe could give
more detailed and interesting results very important for
understanding the mechanisms and creating preventive
measures (pharmacological and other) to limit the adverse
physiological reactions to geomagnetic storms.
Acknowledgments
Authors sincerely thank Prof. Ali R. Allahverdiyev
(Azerbaijan) and the participants of experiments for their
invaluable contribution. Special thanks to Dr. Dali Georg-
obiani (USA) and Ms. Nigar Huseynova (Azerbaijan) for
their kind assistance in preparation of the manuscript.
We are grateful to referees and topical editors for their
valuable comments and remarks.
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