ELECTRIC PERTURBATIONS IN THE ATMOSPHERIC SURFACE-LAYER CAUSED BY AN AERIAL SHOCK-WAVE

The low-frequency electric field associated with the propagation of an aerial shock wave in the atmospheric surface layer was studied experi mentally and theoretically. The experiment involved the recording of v ariations of the vertical component E(z) of the electric field strengt h in the atmosphere by means of electrostatic flux meters and rod ante nnas set up on the surface of the ground. Analysis of the experimental data shows that electric field perturbations are caused by changes in the shock wave density of the volume electric charge formed by heavy ions and aerosol particles. An approximate proportionality is observed between the amplitude of electric field perturbations, shock wave par ameters, and concentration of charged particles in the atmospheric ele ctrode layer.