Atmospheric Electrical Parameters Research Articles

The Global Representativeness of Fair‐Weather Atmospheric Electricity Parameters From the Coastal Station Maitri, Antarctica

AbstractAtmospheric electricity parameters (AEP) measurements from Antarctica predominantly feature either the potential gradient (PG) and/or air‐Earth current (AEC) density. We report for the first time simultaneous measurements of the bipolar ions concentration/conductivity, PG, and AEC density. AEP measurements were carried out at Maitri (70.8°S, 11.8°E) from December 2018 to November 2019. We formulated a few criteria, irrespective of the weather conditions, to select the electrically quiet days and some additional criteria based on the conductivity measurements to discern globally representative data (GRD) from such days. The measurements of the PG and AEC density over the Antarctic plateau demonstrated the diurnal curves similar to the Carnegie pattern, which represents the global thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds (ESCs) occurring on different continents and oceans, we regard the data having such trend as GRD. We found significant variability in the concentration of small bipolar ions/conductivity in the austral summer which in turn affects GRD. However, the concentration of bipolar ions is nearly consistent at ∼250 negative ions cm−3 and ∼300 positive ions cm−3 in winter and enhances the probability of GRD. Such differences can arise out of the prevalent planetary boundary layer processes in the two seasons. When the PG varied between ∼50 Vm−1 and ∼150 Vm−1 and the maximum range of conductivity variations was ∼0.2 × 10−14 ℧ m−1, the AEPs represented the signatures of the global thunderstorm and ESC activities.

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

Overhead AC powerlines and rain can alter the electric charge distribution on airborne particles – Implications for aerosol dispersion and lung deposition

Corona ions from high voltage power lines (HVPL) can increase electrostatic charge on airborne pollutant particulates, possibly increasing received dose upon inhalation. To investigate the potential increased risk of childhood leukemia associated with residence near alternating current (AC) HVPL, we measured the particle charge state and atmospheric electricity parameters upwind, downwind and away from HVPL. Although we observed noticeable charge state alteration from background levels, most HVPL do not significantly increase charge magnitude. Particular HVPL types are shown to have most effect, increasing net charge to 15 times that at background. However, the magnitude of charge alteration during rainfall is comparable with the most extreme HVPL measurement. On current evidence, based on the current adult lung model, we suggest that although charge is sometimes enhanced to levels which may alter atmospheric particle dynamics, increased lung deposition is unlikely.

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

The global representativeness of fair-weather atmospheric electricity parameters from the coastal station Maitri, Antarctica

Non-conventional approach to computation of the atmospheric global electric parameters: Resultant data and analysis

Non-conventional approach to computation of the atmospheric global electric parameters: Resultant data and analysis

Air ions: measures 1998-2019

In the context of the general assessment of electromagnetic pollution present in a given area, campaigns of measurements of the atmospheric electrical parameters were carried out for a long time with an air ions meter we have designed and realized through a not easy path: the “Ionmeter”. Each of these campaigns was originated by requests of Municipality or School or Clinics, and we caught these commitments also like an occasion for tuning, calibrating and testing the AIM-101 “Ionmeter”. The main characteristic of this device is to enjoy an advanced electronics design, such that enables it to perform measures with a very high power of resolution (HPR). The latter is necessary to study at a finer level of the air ions two fundamental parameters - concentration and mobility - as, e.g., it is demanded when one wants to quantify the correlation between emerging malaises in an indoor situation and the collapse of the small ions concentration; or, outdoor, the role of climate on human health, notoriously linked to the variations of atmospheric “spatial charge”. The collected data and the improvement acquired in the campaigns, we’ll describe in this paper, together with the correlations observed in artificial environmental electromagnetic fields, allow us to present finally the device with the highest power of resolution available today.

Statistics of variations in atmospheric electrical parameters based on a three-dimensional model and field observations

In this work, we study the space-time statistical features of variations in the atmospheric electric field (Ez) and space charge in the atmospheric boundary layer using a three-dimensional model and analysis of observational data. The model is a combination of large-eddy simulation supplemented with a subgrid kinematic model for scalar and the three-dimensional Poisson equation for the electric potential. Based on the calculated evolution of three-dimensional distributions of the space charge and electric potential, the variability of the spectral slopes of variations in the space charge, vertical potential difference, and the vertical component of the electric field Ez is investigated. The vertical profiles of Ez and the frequency power spectra of Ez variations at different heights computed are in reasonable agreement with the observed ones. It is shown that the cross-correlation of Ez at spatially separated points located on one straight line near the earth's surface decreases with increasing distance with a characteristic scale of a few tens meters and has a dependence on the angle between this line and the direction of the wind. Mean large-scale horizontal electric field defined through the position and amplitude of the potential extrema at the same height depends on height non-monotonically having a maximum value of about 5 V/m. Scaling exponents of structure functions for Ez variations are found to be significantly larger than those for space charge variations.

Nature of Relationships Between Atmospheric Electricity Parameters at Ground Surface and Air Ionization on the Basis of Nuclear Accidents in Power Plants and Weapons Tests

In this work we present an analysis of selected atmospheric electricity parameters, measured at the Geophysical Observatory in Świder (near Warsaw, Poland), in a review of the major events that resulted in the release of a significant amount of artificial radioactive substances in the Earth’s atmosphere: the radioactive accident in Fukushima, Japan, beginning 12 March 2011, followed by the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami; Chernobyl disaster (27 April 1986); and nuclear weapons testing (1958–1965). The physical mechanisms of the impact of radioactive sources on the electrical parameters of the atmosphere are analyzed. The formation of free charge (small ions, represented by electric air conductivity) and bound-induced charges (measured vertical electric field and current) by radioactive aerosol and cloud nuclei were taken into account. The values of electric field Ez, atmospheric air conductivity λ, and aerosol concentrations measured at a certain site depend on the time and space location of the released radioactive materials in relation to the measurement site and the meteorological situation. A frontal inflow of air masses containing radioactive substances may be noticeable at a large distance from the atmospheric electricity measuring site in fair weather conditions (Chernobyl disaster). Atmospheric precipitation plays a very important role in the transport of radioactive substances to the ground level (nuclear weapons testing). The relationship between the ionospheric potential Vi and the electric field near ground level Ez resulting from the Global Electric Circuit (GEC) concept for the presence of a strongly ionized air layer in the lower stratosphere and the ground level was disturbed in nuclear weapons testing time. The aim of this work is a qualitative characterization of discussed events. Future modeling works are needed to investigate the dependence of quantitative GEC parameters in situations of global or regional high air ionization. For this purpose, available measurements of recorded atmospheric electricity parameters will be used.

Glossary on atmospheric electricity and its effects on biology.

There is an increasing interest to study the interactions between atmospheric electrical parameters and living organisms at multiple scales. So far, relatively few studies have been published that focus on possible biological effects of atmospheric electric and magnetic fields. To foster future work in this area of multidisciplinary research, here we present a glossary of relevant terms. Its main purpose is to facilitate the process of learning and communication among the different scientific disciplines working on this topic. While some definitions come from existing sources, other concepts have been re-defined to better reflect the existing and emerging scientific needs of this multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary area of research.

Observation of Atmospheric Electricity Parameters at Boso Peninsula, Japan

Observation of Atmospheric Electricity Parameters at Boso Peninsula, Japan

Strong electric fields observed during snow storms on Mt. Hermon, Israel

We report observations of the behavior of the vertical component of the atmospheric electric field (Ez) during several snow storms, which occurred in December 2016 on top of Mount Hermon in northern Israel (33°18.3′N, 35°47.2′E, altitude 2020 m). The data was obtained at the Emilio Segre Cosmic ray Observatory (ESO) a site that continuously monitors atmospheric electrical parameters as well as gamma radiation from cosmic rays and ground level radon and radon progeny (Reuveni et al., 2017). The Ez observations were made with a CS-110 unit mounted on a 3 m pole sampled at 1 Hz, and the obtained Ez values were averaged and smoothed. Meteorological data, including ambient temperatures and hourly accumulated precipitation amounts (rain or snow) were obtained from the Israeli Hydrological Service station on the upper funicular station, at the same altitude of the ESO. During several snow episodes with snow rates >1 mm hr−1, there were very large fluctuations of the electric field with maximum values of ±2.5·104 V m−1, exhibiting polarity reversals on a time scale of several minutes. There is a complex relationship between the snowfall rate, the ambient temperature and the magnitude of the electric field fluctuations. The observed behavior of the electric field maps the wind speed, snowfall rate and the charge carried by the snow.

Electrical signatures of Nimbostratus and Stratus clouds in ground-level vertical atmospheric electric field and current density at mid-latitude station Swider, Poland

We analyse the occurrences of low-level stratiform clouds such as Nimbostratus and Stratus, in Swider, Poland (51.15 N, 21.23 E) in the years 2005–2015. There have been on average 44 days with Nimbostratus a year between 2005 and 2015 at Swider and 51 days with Stratus over this period. Atmospheric electric field, current density and air conductivity available for the recorded cloud cases from years 2012–2015 have been analysed and their average values obtained for all cases and separately for the cloud cases with their main types of precipitation: rain and snow for Nimbostratus, drizzle and granular snow for Stratus. The analysis of atmospheric electricity parameters confirms previous results indicating differences in the electrical behaviour of raining and snowing clouds. The atmospheric electric field and conduction current is more likely downward under Stratus cloud as is its precipitation-convection current. This type of cloud mostly behaves like a passive element of the global circuit. The electric field under Nimbostratus during rain at the ground is upward and upward precipitation current occurs during heavier rain. Such raining mid-latitude Nimbostratus can potentially be an electric cloud generator which charges the Earth's global atmospheric circuit, the contribution of which needs to be investigated in more detail.

Evaluation of the Atmospheric Boundary-Layer Electrical Variability

Due to the chaotic motion of charged particles carried by turbulent eddies, electrical quantities in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) have short-term variability superimposed on long-term variability caused by sources from regional to global scales. In this study the influence of radon exhalation rate, aerosol distribution and turbulent transport efficiency on the variability of fair-weather atmospheric electricity is investigated via Lagrangian stochastic modelling. For the mid-latitude lower atmosphere undisturbed by precipitation, electrified clouds, or thunderstorms, the model is capable of reproducing the diurnal variation in atmospheric electrical parameters detected by ground-based measurements. Based on the analysis of field observations and numerical simulation it is found that the development of the convective boundary layer, accompanied by an increase in turbulent kinetic energy, forms the vertical distribution of radon and its decaying short-lived daughters to be approximately coincident with the barometric law for several eddy turnover times. In the daytime ABL the vertical distribution of atmospheric electrical conductivity tends to be uniform except within the surface layer, due to convective mixing of radon and its radioactive decay products. At the same time, a decrease in the conductivity near the ground is usually observed. This effect leads to an enhanced ground-level atmospheric electric field compared to that normally observed in the nocturnal stably-stratified boundary layer. The simulation showed that the variability of atmospheric electric field in the ABL associated with internal origins is significant in comparison to the variability related to changes in global parameters. It is suggested that vertical profiles of electrical quantities can serve as informative parameters on ABL turbulent dynamics and can even more broadly characterize the state of the environment.

Electrodynamic properties and height of atmospheric convective boundary layer

We consider the relations between the mixed layer height and atmospheric electric parameters affected by convective mixing. Vertical turbulent transport of radon, its progeny and electrically charged particles is described under Lagrangian stochastic framework, which is the next step to develop a consistent model for the formation of electrical conditions in the atmospheric boundary layer. Using the data from detailed and complex measurements of vertical profiles of the temperature and turbulence statistics as input, we calculated non-stationary vertical profiles of radon and its daughter products concentrations, atmospheric electric conductivity and intensity of electric field in the convective boundary layer from the morning transition through early afternoon quasi-stationary conditions. These profiles demonstrate substantial variability due to the changing turbulent regime in the evolving boundary layer. We obtained quantitative estimates of the atmospheric electric field variability range essentially related to the sunrise and convection development. It is shown that the local change in the electrical conductivity is the only factor that can change the intensity of electric field at the earth's surface more than twice during the transition from night to day. The established relations between electric and turbulent parameters of the boundary layer indicate that the effect of sunrise is more pronounced in the case when development of convection is accompanied by an increase in aerosol concentration and, hence, a decrease in local conductivity.

Anomalous diurnal variation of atmospheric potential gradient and air‐Earth current density observed at Maitri, Antarctica

AbstractThe scope of this paper is to explore the mechanisms operating over Maitri (70.76°S, 11.74°E, 117 m above mean sea level), a coastal Antarctic station, that produce an anomalous fair‐weather diurnal pattern of the atmospheric electric potential gradient (PG) and air‐Earth current density (AEC). The anomaly in the diurnal variations of AEC and the PG is displaying an ostensible minimum at ~10 UT and a diminished response to the thunderstorm over the African continent in the 14–16 UT time frame. The data sets (2005–2014, except 2012) of the PG, and to some extent, AEC, from Maitri, are used to explore this anomaly. It follows that the fair‐weather electrical phenomena over Maitri can be ascribed to global electrified convection on the one hand and to regional phenomena like convection due to the replacement of warm air by katabatic winds on the other hand. The katabatic winds originate on the polar plateau and blow from ~130° at Maitri which are likely to transport various elements from the mountain slopes, and space charge from the polar plateau is expected to produce various disturbances in the PG and AEC monitored over the coastal Antarctica. This mechanism may be responsible for peaks in the early UT hours and also for the anomalous behavior of atmospheric electrical parameters observed at Maitri. Maitri data are compared with that of Carnegie cruise and Vostok to explain the source of anomaly.

Effects of the March 2015 solar eclipse on near-surface atmospheric electricity.

Measurements of atmospheric electrical and standard meteorological parameters were made at coastal and inland sites in southern England during the 20 March 2015 partial solar eclipse. Clear evidence of a reduction in air temperature resulting from the eclipse was found at both locations, despite one of them being overcast during the entire eclipse. The reduction in temperature was expected to affect the near-surface electric field (potential gradient (PG)) through a reduction in turbulent transfer of space charge. No such effect could be unambiguously confirmed, however, with variability in PG and air-Earth current during the eclipse being comparable to pre- and post-eclipse conditions. The already low solar radiation for this latitude, season and time of day was likely to have contributed to the reduced effect of the eclipse on atmospheric electricity through boundary layer stability. The absence of a reduction in mean PG shortly after time of maximum solar obscuration, as observed during eclipses at lower geomagnetic latitude, implied that there was no significant change in atmospheric ionization from cosmic rays above background variability. This finding was suggested to be due to the relative importance of cosmic rays of solar and galactic origin at geomagnetic mid-latitudes.This article is part of the themed issue 'Atmospheric effects of solar eclipses stimulated by the 2015 UK eclipse'.

Network of observations on the atmospheric electrical parameters during geomagnetic storm on 5 April 2010

AbstractThe effects of a geomagnetic storm on the variation of the atmospheric electric field over Maitri (70°45′S, 11°44′E), Dome C (75°06′S, 123°20′E), and Vostok (78°27′S, 106°52′E) Antarctic research stations are presented in this paper. For the first time, the paper reports the simultaneous observations of the atmospheric electric field/potential gradient (PG) over the three high‐latitude stations at the Southern Hemisphere, and its associated changes due to a substorm phenomenon. PG data obtained from these three stations under fair‐weather conditions on 5 April 2010 are analyzed. The duration of geomagnetic disturbance is classified into three intervals, which contains three consecutive substorms based on the magnetic records of the Maitri station. The substorm is directly related to an enhancement of the magnetospheric convective electric field at high latitude, generally controlled by the solar wind parameters. It is found that the variation in the amplitude of PG depends on the magnetic latitude during substorm onset. During the substorm expansion phase, when the convection cell is at overhead, PG is significantly enhanced due to the downward mapping of the ionospheric horizontal electric field. The present observation demonstrated the changes on PG due to the spatial extension of the convection cell from high latitudes up to middle latitudes.

Future measurements for climate monitoring

Future measurements for climate monitoring

Earth’s Atmospheric Electricity Parameter Response During Venus Transit

Venus transited across the Sun on 06 June 2012, introducing significant contribution to the tidal characteristics of the solar atmosphere. Earth’s atmosphere was perturbed due to an anomalous Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) and γ-radiation influenced by the solar tide due to Venus transit, thereby the Earth-ionosphere waveguide characteristics were changed. In this anomalous situation we measured some atmospheric electricity parameters such as Schumann resonance (SR) amplitude, very low frequency (VLF) sferics, subionospheric transmitted signals and the point discharge current (PDC) along with the vertical electrical potential gradient (PG) at the ground surface on the day of transit. The results showed some remarkable variations during the transit as well as pre- and post-transit periods. The observed anomalies in the recorded data were interpreted in terms of the anomalous solar tidal effects initiated due to Venus transit.