Variations in the Atmospheric Electric Field at Tropical Station during 1930-1987

The variations noticed in the atmospheric electric field recorded at Pune (18°32’N, 73°51’E, 559 m ASL), a tropical inland station located in Dcccan Plateau, India, during the period 1930-1987, have been examined in relation to the variations observed in the Angstrom turbidity coefficient (β) and selected meteorological parameters. The monthly and annual mean values of the atmospheric electric field. Angstrom turbidity coefficient (β), rainfall, temperature and relative humidity for the years 1930-1938, 1957-1958, 1964-1965, 1973-1974 and 1987 were considered in the study.The results of the above study indicated gradual increases in the atmospheric electric field over the period of study (1930-1987) which is statistically significant at less than 5%level. The increases noticed during different periods varied from 30 to 109%. The increase noticed during the period (1930-1938) and (1973-1974) was maximum (109%). The Angstrom turbidity coefficient also showed systematic increases during the period of s