Summary
The annual and diurnal variation of the conductivity near the ground at Athens, based on long-term data, are presented. The diurnal double oscillation is a characteristic of the “atmospheric electric climate” of Athens. In addition, the influence of air pollution due to smoke and sulfur dioxide and of wind speed (as an element affecting the dispersion of pollulants) on large ion concentration and on conductivity has been examined. The air pollution, which is often severe in Athens area, results in decreasing conductivity and increasing large ion concentration, while the influence of wind speed is also pronounced. The results justify the use of conductivity as a pollution index. Finally the plausible influence of air temperature and relative humidity and of their rate of change on air electrical conductivity, has been examined. The results are ambiguous and depending on the season, especially for relative humidity.
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Retalis, D., Pitta, A. & Psallidas, P. The conductivity of the air and other electrical parameters in relation to meteorological elements and air pollution in Athens. Meteorl. Atmos. Phys. 46, 197–204 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01027345
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01027345