On the Recent Measurements of Atmospheric Ion Density from the Ground to the Stratosphere

Abstract

Balloon measurements of negative small ion density in the atmosphere from ground to 30km have been made in September of 1970. Vertical profiles of negative small ion density have been obtained for daytime and nighttime conditions. The difference between the profiles obtained during daytime and nighttime are discussed. The rapid changes in the ion density are observed in the altitudes below about 3km. A remarkable decrease in the ion density is observed in the altitudes from 16 to 25km. During nighttime a second ion density increase is observed in the altitudes of about 30km. The profiles obtained are compared with those determined from the data of ionization measurements in the atmosphere, assuming ionization equilibrium with small ions. The results obtained from the measurements at a constant level of about 30km are also described.