The measurement of atmospheric electric fields using pole mounted electrostatic fieldmeters

• A pole mounted fieldmeter provides a simple way to measure and monitor atmospheric electric fields.
• Electric field values from the response of the earth bonded fieldmeter with its height above ground.
• Fieldmeter response is calibrated from the response to voltage applied during the set up procedure.
• The studies confirm a linearity of fieldmeter response with height above ground.
• Comments are included on features that need to be taken into account in practical measurements.

A pole mounted ‘field mill’ type electrostatic fieldmeter provides a simple and practical way for measurement, and for long term continuous monitoring, of ground level atmospheric electric fields. The paper describes a number of studies of this measurement method. These show how atmospheric electric field values are derived from the response of the fieldmeter when earth bonded and its height above ground level. The response of the fieldmeter is calibrated via the linear variation of its response to voltage applied during the set up procedure. The studies confirm a linearity of fieldmeter response with height above ground.