Point discharge current measurements beneath dust devils

Ralph D. Lorenz, Lynn Neakrase, John P. Anderson, Giles Harrison, Keri A. Nicoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (SciVal)
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Abstract

We document for the first time observations of point discharge currents under dust devils using a novel compact sensor deployed in summer 2016 at the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range in New Mexico, USA. A consistent signature is noted in about a dozen events seen over 40 days, with a positive current ramping up towards closest approach, switching to a decaying negative current as the devil recedes. The currents, induced on a small wire about 10 cm above the ground, correlate with dust devil intensity (pressure drop) and dust loading, and reached several hundred picoAmps.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-60
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
Volume150-151
Early online date29 Oct 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27 Dec 2016

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