Electric perturbations in the atmospheric surface layer caused by an aerial shock wave

The low-frequency electric field associated with the propagation of an aerial shock wave in the atmospheric surface layer was studied experimentally and theoretically. The experiment involved the recording of variations of the vertical component $E_z$ of the electric field strength in the atmosphere by means of electrostatic flux meters and rod antennas set up on the surface of the ground. Analysis of the experimental data shows that electric field perturbations are caused by changes in the shock wave density of the volume electric charge formed by heavy ions and aerosol particles. An approximate proportionality is observed between the amplitude of electric field perturbations, shock wave parameters, and concentration of charged particles in the atmospheric electrode layer.