Observations of some atmospheric electrical parameters in the surface layer

Abstract

Measurements of atmospheric potential gradient, conductivity of both polarities and space charge are reported for Pune (18°32′N, 73°51′E, 559 m above msl). Observations show negative excursions of potential gradient at night, frequent observations of excess values of one polarity of conductivity and the presence of very high values of space charge of either polarity at night. Results are discussed in terms of a lower thin layer of positive space charge due to the electrode effect and an upper layer of negative space charge due to radioactive elements and their emanations close to ground and mutual mixing of these two layers under different meteorological conditions.