The ionization state of the atmosphere as a function of the meteorological elements and of various sources of ions

Abstract

The content of positive (N+) and negative (N−) medium ions in the atmosphere, was measured during five periods. The influence of wind velocity and direction, humidity, rainfall and various sources of natural ionization on the N+ and N− content and the relation N+/N− were investigated. Emphasis was placed on the influence of a special kind of weather called “chamsin” in Israel. The amount of N+ and N− and the relation N+/N− began to increase about 10 hours before the meteorological instruments indicated the specific features of this kind of weather — increase in temperature and decrease in humidity. As some laboratory tests have shown that N− has a beneficial physiological and biological influence, and N+ has the opposite effect, it is assumed that the above-mentioned changes in N+/N− are the cause for persons who are sensitive to this kind of weather, feeling ill. The increase in N+ and N− with the increase in radioactive emanation from the earth and the nuclear tests was established.