Atmospheric electricity measurements over the Indian Ocean

Abstract

Results of measurements of the atmospheric electrical conductivity and potential gradient made during the sixth Scientific Cruise of the Indian Oceanographic Ship INS Kistna in the Bay of Bengal during February–March 1963 are presented. Observations were made when the skies were generally clear and the sea calm, in the geographical area 8°N to 17°N and 80°E to 95°E, on the outward journey of INS Kistna from Madras (80°E, 13°N) to Port Blair (93°E, 12°N) and on the return journey to Madras. Over the ocean where there are no local sources of pollution, the measured values of conductivity and potential gradient are in agreement with theoretical values, assuming that an ion equilibrium exists, that ions are destroyed primarily by collision with small ions of opposite sign and that small ions are produced only by cosmic radiation. The values of electrical conductivity obtained are generally of the same order as those to be expected from theoretical considerations and in general agreement with those obtained during the Carnegie cruises in the Indian Ocean in 1920. There are, however, significant variations near the coast where the electric structure above the ocean is affected by continental sources of pollution. Conductivity values near the land are about half that in the unpolluted air over the ocean but prevailing winds prevent the extension of pollution beyond 100–200 km from the coast in this season.