The atmospheric electric field and its measurement

Murray, Murdo. (1969) The atmospheric electric field and its measurement. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (7MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

The variables encountered in atmospheric electricity are discussed and the theoretical model as proposed by Kawano developed to show that the vertical distribution of the air resistivity is influenced by the eddy diffusion. Using this vertical distribution, the local characteristic of the electric field is derived. Instrumentation for the measurement of the electrical potential gradient was developed and subsequently a series of observations was conducted to measure the electrical phenomena associated with various conditions in the atmosphere. The response time of the instrument is about one millisecond. The use of 30 dB of negative feedback in the main amplifier ensured a stable output with a low noise level. Indication of the polarity of the field was provided by employing a phase sensitive detector.

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