ELECTRIC CURRENTS OF SALTATION IN WINDSAND FLUX

Abstract

Electric currents in the surface atmospheric layer in desertized areas were measured for the first time. At wind velocities equal to 5–7 m/s, the density of electric current due to saltation of sand grains at a height of 3 cm reaches 3–5 μA/m2, which is six orders of magnitude greater than the density of electric current in the unperturbed atmosphere (2–3 pA/m2). The burst-shaped currents are positive in the main (lower) saltation layer and alternating in the upper layer, which is approximately 0.5 m thick.