The Electric State of the Surface Atmosphere in the Mountain–Steppe Landscapes of Southern Siberia According to the Measurement Data in the Khakass–Tyva Expedition in 2022

Abstract

Currently, many researchers are interested in investigating the electric field in the fair-weather electric environment, along with its diurnal and seasonal variations across all regions of the world. However, a similar study in the southern part of Siberia has not yet been carried out. In this regard, this study aims to estimate the mean values of the electric field and their variations in the mountain and steppe landscapes using the measurement data from the Khakass–Tyva expedition in 2022. The maximum values of positive ion density were noted at the site in the Iyussko-Shirinsky steppe between Belyo and Tus salt lakes in the Khakass-Minusinsk Basin. The maximum values of negative ion density were observed at the site in the Shol tract in the center part of the Tyva depression. The potential gradient tends to increase with altitude and reaches a maximum in the highlands. The maximum values of the potential gradient were noted in the highlands plateau near the Mongun-Taiga Mountain Massif and Khindiktig-Khol Lake. The diurnal cycles of potential gradient at different observation sites were divided into two groups: (1) a diurnal cycle in the form of a double wave; and (2) a daily cycle with a more complex course due to the strong influence of local factors.