Geomagnetic jerks are abrupt changes in the secular variation generated in the Earth's core. Even the most basic characteristics of jerks as its origin and duration, are still a matter of debate in the scientific community. Data obtained by magnetic observatories and satellites are used in these studies. The main characteristic of jerks is that they are not simultaneous at the Earth's surface, with a general pattern of a first arrival in the Northern hemisphere, with a later appearance in the South by about two years. The non-simultaneous behavior of jerks is important to constrain the electrical conductivity of the lower mantle and for a better understanding on how jerks are generated in the core. The main objective of this paper is to discuss methods of detection of jerks at Vassouras (VSS) observatory (Brazil). In addition, we want to highlight the relevance of detection of jerks in observatories in the Southern hemisphere by encouraging the improvement of the data Quality and the discussion of the main geomagnetic jerks characteristics.
geomagnetic jerks; Vassouras magnetic observatory; wavelet analysis
