Rise of negative ions from an external source in the lower atmosphere under the action of the earth electric field: a one-dimensional model

Abstract

A one-dimensional model of the rise of O^– negative ions generated by a ground-based external source to altitudes of several kilometers under the action of the Earth electric field is developed. The model takes into account the contributions from the diffusion and drift of the ions, as well as the effect of a rising air flow. The characteristic time of rise of negative ions to an altitude of 2 km is determined, altitude distributions of the concentration of ions are obtained, and the distortion of the Earth electric field due to the presence of an excess of negative ions is demonstrated.