Toward an Understanding of the Turbulent Electrode Effect over Land.
Abstract
A new concept of the turbulent electrode effect, which has emerged from the recent work of Hoppel and of the author, is described. The past theoretical and observational research relating to the transformation of the classical electrode layer in the case of strong turbulent mixing is reviewed. Results of two experiments designed to test key predictions of the new theories are reported. The first experiment, measurement of the conductivity profile over land on windy days, lends some support to the theoretical prediction that both the positive and the negative polar components of the atmospheric conductivity should decrease toward the surface under turbulent conditions. The second experiment measurement of the nonconductive component of the vertical current density at the ground, tends to confirm a crucial assumption of the theories that all of the current is carried by turbulent and molecular diffusion at the surface. Suggestions are given for further experimental and theoretical work. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 29, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA104902
Entities
People
- J. C. Willett
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory