Electrical conductivity and potential gradient measurements in the free atmosphere over India

Abstract

Results of measurements of atmospheric electrical potential gradient and conductivity in the free atmosphere using balloon borne radiosondes made at a few stations in India are presented. The potential gradient generally decreases exponentially with height above the exchange layer and the electrical conductivity profiles show corresponding mirror image symmetry. Large variations of electrical potential gradient and conductivity are, however, observed in the troposphere closely associated with clouds, dust and haze and other local meteorological phenomena and space charge effects. Significant though small variations are also observed in the stratosphere, which appear to be associated with the existence of aerosol layers. From an analysis of integrated potential profiles the total atmospheric potential has been calculated and found to have a mean value of 300 kV; the ionospheric potential varies diurnally and seasonally about the mean.