Abstract
Despite the importance of microphysical cloud processes on the climate system, some topics are under-explored. For example, few measurements of droplet charges in nonthunderstorm clouds exist. Balloon carried charge sensors can be used to provide new measurements. A charge sensor is described for use with meteorological balloons, which has been tested over a range of atmospheric temperatures from -60 to 20 degrees C, in cloudy and clear air. The rapid time response of the sensor (to >10 V s(-1)) permits charge densities from 100 fC m(-3) to 1 nC m(-3) to be determined, which is sufficient for it to act as a cloud edge charge detector at weakly charged horizontal cloud boundaries.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 014501 |
| Journal | Review of Scientific Instruments |
| Volume | 80 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2009 |
Keywords
- atmospheric electricity
- atmospheric humidity
- atmospheric temperature
- balloons
- clouds
