Atmospheric electricity measurements in the north atlantic during fallex-60.

• Main Authors: TRENT, EVA MAE., ANDERSON, R. V., NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON D C.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Ft. Belvoir Defense Technical Information Center 1962
• Subjects: Weather forecasting; Measurement; Fog; Atmospheric electricity; Northampton; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uiug.30112113035189

An atmospheric electricity station was installed aboard the USS NORTHAMPTON in August 1960 and was operated during the fall NATO exercises by NRL personnel. The instrumentation proved to be completely seaworthy. The electric field meter was not sufficiently sensitive in this installation to give usable data, hence this study was restricted to measurements with the atmospheric conductivity meter. The b havior of the conductivity measurements was analyzed for the five occasions when fog was encountered; it was found that in most cases, as is also true on land, there was a significant decrease in the total atmospheric conductivity some 2 to 6 ours before the actual fog incidence. Indication was not given, however, prior to fog dissipation. Although data are not sufficient at present for definitive conclusions, it appears that atmospheric electric conductivity may be a supplemental tool in fog forecasting. (Author). An atmospheric electricity station was installed aboard the USS NORTHAMPTON in August 1960 and was operated during the fall NATO exercises by NRL personnel. The instrumentation proved to be completely seaworthy. The electric field meter was not sufficiently sensitive in this installation to give usable data, hence this study was restricted to measurements with the atmospheric conductivity meter. The b havior of the conductivity measurements was analyzed for the five occasions when fog was encountered; it was found that in most cases, as is also true on land, there was a significant decrease in the total atmospheric conductivity some 2 to 6 ours before the actual fog incidence. Indication was not given, however, prior to fog dissipation. Although data are not sufficient at present for definitive conclusions, it appears that atmospheric electric conductivity may be a supplemental tool in fog forecasting. (Author). Mode of access: Internet.