Ozone and Point Discharge Measurements under Thunderclouds,
Abstract
Short duration increases in the concentration of atmospheric ozone have been observed beneath active New Mexican thunderstorms in the vicinity of an exposed and grounded, sharp metal rod. These ozone transients follow immediately the emission of charge into the air from the metal point under the influence of atmospheric electricity. The increases are greater when associated with negative charge emission than with positive; the maximum ozone concentration above lightning-induced emission of negative charge has been about 6.4 times that of the fine weather concentration (about 6 ozone molecules per hundred million air molecules). Longer duration increases in the atmospheric ozone to about 1.5 times the prestorm concentration are found above a collection of natural grass points when overhead clouds are electrified with a net positive charge. Comparison of the ultraviolet radiation pulses from negative and positive point-to-plane discharges suggests a photochemical explanation for the relatively large production of ozone by negative charge emission. (Author Modified Abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0758130
Entities
People
- A. Shlanta
- C. B. Moore
Organizations
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology