ATMOSPHERIC ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITIES OVER A REGION OF HIGH RADIOACTIVITY

Atmospheric electrical conductivities have been monitored at a site ha ving a rich deposit of radioactive mineral, monazite. The results show the significant influence of meteorological parameters on the behavio ur of conductivity at such a site. A striking feature observed at the station is the change in the diurnal variation pattern between differe nt months. The mean diurnal variation of polar conductivities during t he pre-monsoon months of March, April and May show a pattern that is s imilar to that of the expected diurnal variation pattern of radon at t he surface. However, the pattern for June closely resembles the double oscillation type. A significant reduction in the positve polar conduc tivity values and an increase in the ratio of the positive to negative polar conductivity values are also seen. The percentage variation of the monthly mean hourly values is found to be related to the monthly m ean temperatures.