Characteristic Analysis of Atmospheric Electric Field in Contaminated Areas.

[Objective] The research aimed to analyze characteristics of atmospheric electric field in polluted area. [Method] By using data of atmospheric electric field meter in Taiyuan in 2009, daily and annual changes of atmospheric electric field in Taiyuan were analyzed. [Result] Atmospheric electric field intensity in Taiyuan was higher than that in other areas. Daily change was double-peak double-valley type. The first highest value appeared at nightfall, and the second highest value was before the noon. The first lowest value appeared in early morning, while the second lowest value appeared after the noon. Annual change was single-peak single-valley type. The maximum appeared in winter, while the minimum appeared in summer. [Conclusion] When forecasting thunderstorm, in the area with higher aerosol content, alarm threshold of electric field should be adjusted via comparison with actual observation, which had very strong regional characteristics. By analyzing real-time monitoring data of atmospheric electric field, thunderstorm forecast could be realized, and timeliness and accuracy of warning and forecast could be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]