The influence of turbulence on the variation of electric field intensity in the Earth’s atmosphere

This study examines the influence of turbulent mixing on the vertical profile of electric field intensity in the atmospheric boundary layer. It analyzes how meteorological conditions and thermodynamic stratification affect atmospheric conductivity and the structure of the electric field. It is shown that the turbulent diffusion coefficient K(z), which governs the vertical transport of electric charge, can vary significantly with height depending on the stratification regime of the atmosphere. Several models for describing K(z) are considered, including both empirical and theoretically grounded approaches, such as the Monin — Obukhov similarity theory. Calculations based on radiosonde data from the Norderney station (WMO 10113) during winter and summer seasons made it possible to trace seasonal differences in the vertical distributions of the turbulent diffusion coefficient and electric field intensity. Additionally, data from station 2TDJJ8J aboard RV Polarstern located near the Earth’s poles during polar summer — were analyzed. This provided a unique opportunity to compare changes in the electric field and turbulent diffusion coefficient across high-latitude regions of both hemispheres. The results revealed a consistent exponential decay of the electric field with altitude and regional differences in the diffusion gradient, reflecting distinct features of atmospheric stratification.