Temporal and vertical variations of atmospheric electrical conductivity related to radon and its progeny concentrations at Mysore

Abstract

Atmospheric electrical conductivity, radon and its progeny concentrations are measured simultaneously at Mysore city (12° 18′′N, 76° 36′′E and 767 m above mean sea level), India. The concentrations of radon and its progeny are higher during nighttime compared to the daytime attaining maximum in the early morning (0400-0700 hrs IST). The electrical conductivity of the atmosphere also shows similar variations. The vertical variation shows a decrease of conductivity with increase in height. The weekly variations in conductivity show a higher value on Sundays compare to other weekdays. These results are discussed in terms of ionization rate due to radioactivity and meteorological parameters.