The effect of aerosols on the electrical conductivity in the atmosphere

Summary The value of the electrical conductivity of the free atmosphere is inversely related to the concentration of nuclei. Measurements made with an airborne conductivity meter illustrates this effect. It was found that for these particular meteorological conditions a change of 47 nuclei/cm³ could be detected. It was also found that in one case nuclei from a smoke source were carried down wind for a distance of 400 miles. The concentration of nuclei varied from 14.6×10³ nuclei/cm³ near the source to 1·3×10³ at the distant location.This research was performed while the author was employed by USAF Cambridge Research Center, Bedford, Mass.