Aquifer Dynamics and Atmospheric Electricity

Abstract

Measurements of variations in the atmospheric electric field (AEF), soil and atmospheric radon concentration, and hydrogeological parameters have made it possible to establish links between the listed processes. A rise in aquifer levels increases the outflow of soil radon, which decreases the AEF; a decrease in levels leads to the opposite effect. The rise can be caused by the infiltration of precipitation, hydraulic fracturing, and lowering of atmospheric pressure; the fall can be caused by the pumping of artesian waters or by an increase in atmospheric pressure.