Lunar Tidal Modulation of the Global Electric Circuit: A Mediated Plasma–Atmosphere Coupling Hypothesis

This paper formalizes a testable hypothesis: that lunar tidal forcing contributes measurable modulation to observables within the Global Electric Circuit (GEC) through mediated ocean–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling pathways. The framework remains within established gravitational, atmospheric, and plasma physics. Lunar tidal constituents are treated as known periodic drivers. Statistical methods are specified to evaluate coherence between these constituents and GEC proxies after controlling for solar, geomagnetic, seasonal, and diurnal influences. The objective is to determine whether small but structured lunar forcing leaves detectable signatures within Earth’s atmospheric electrical system.