Airborne Measurements of Electric Charging of Marine Fog

Abstract

Measurements of electric field strength in the vicinity of a straight and distinct edge of an extensive 60 m marine fog show a region of enhanced field over the clear area adjacent to the edge. Also discussed is the new airborne field mill used for these measurements. This instrument, a rotating capacitive plate type is particularly small and light for aircraft nose boom mounting. Use of modern microelectronic circuitry allows the signal processing to be done beneath the 0.15 m long by 0.05 m diameter capacitive plates. Output from the processor, rotating with the plates, is digital and is transmitted optically to the stationary frame.

Data processing methods to reduce the field data to satisfactory conceptual models is discussed. The problem is to evaluate the confidence with which the measurements outside the fog provide a measure of the fields and conductivity within the fog.

Paper was accepted by the Executive Panel, but could not be presented. It was, therefore, not considered in any discussion.