Studies on atmospheric electrical conductivity related to radon and its progeny concentrations in the lower atmosphere at Mysore

Measurements of radon and its progeny concentrations, and conductivity due to both polarities were made simultaneously at a height of 1 m above the ground at Mysore (12°N, 76°E, 767 m above mean sea level), India. Observations show an increase in the concentration of radon and its progeny during nighttime compared to the daytime values with the peak values in the early morning (4–7 h), the observed values are higher in winter than in other seasons. The radon exhalation was observed to be higher in summer than in winter and rainy seasons. The electrical conductivity of the atmosphere that depends on the ionization rate also exhibits similar trends. These results are discussed in terms of ionization rate due to radioactivity and the influence of meteorological parameters on radon and its progeny concentrations.