Low-Frequency Electrical Characteristics of Clear Air Turbulence

The results of an investigation of the low frequency electrostatic field characteristics of clear air turbulence are presented. Brief descriptions are included of the general theory and practical aspects of the field sensing antennas used during the program and the electronic instrumentation used in data-gathering flights and subsequent data reduction. The data from a ridgeline turbulence encounter is analyzed with respect to frequency content in the decade bandwidths from 0.1 cps to 2000 cps. The results reveal turbulence-generated signals in the 0.1-10.0 cps region which differ from pre- and post- encounter norms, presenting the possibility of anticipating the encounter. The direction of future effort is described.