Periodic variations of atmospheric electric field on fair weather conditions at YBJ, Tibet

Observations of atmospheric electric field on fair weather conditions from the plateau station, YBJ, Tibet (90°31′50″ E, 30°06′38″ N), over the period from 2006 to 2011, are presented in this work. Its periodic modulations are analyzed in frequency-domain by Lomb-Scargle Periodogram method and in time-domain by folding method. The results show that the fair weather atmospheric electric field intensity is modulated weakly by annual cycle, solar diurnal cycle and its several harmonic components. The modulating amplitude of annual cycle is bigger than that of solar diurnal cycle. The annual minimum/maximum nearly coincides with spring/autumn equinox. The detailed spectrum analysis show that the secondary peaks (i.e. sidereal diurnal cycle and semi-sidereal diurnal cycle) nearly disappear along with their primary peaks when the primary signals are subtracted from electric field data sequence. The average daily variation curve exhibits dual-fluctuations, and has obviously seasonal dependence. The mean value is bigger in summer and autumn, but smaller in spring and winter. The daytime fluctuation is affected by the sunrise and sunset effect, the occurring time of which have a little shift with seasons. However, the nightly one has a great dependence on season conditions.

► The periodic variations of fair weather atmospheric electric field are analyzed.
► The Lomb-Scargle Periodogram and folding method are used.
► Atmospheric electric field is modulated by solar and sidereal cycles.
► The minima and maxima of annual curve coincide with spring and autumn equinox.
► The daily curve exhibits dual-fluctuations and has a little season dependence.