Atmospheric‐electric observations of the potential gradient at Chesterfield, Canada

Abstract

Summary—Continuous records of the atmospheric potential‐gradient were taken at the Canadian International Polar Year station at Chesterfield, N. W. T., from April to August 1933 inclusive. After excluding all days with snow‐drift, fog, or negative values af the potential gradient, 57 days are classed as undisturbed meteorologically. The mean hourly value of the potential gradient for these days is 68 volts per meter. The mean hourly value for each month is practically constant with the exception of April, which has an unusually low value. Analysis of the diurnal variations shows a predominating 24‐hour wave with its maximum varying from 17.7 hours G. M. T., for April and May to 18.7 hours G. M. T., for June, July and August. The potential gradient is definitely higher for days with wind off Hudson Bay than for days with the wind in other directions.