Theoretical models of the Earth's Electric Field?

[JyD]

I am doing some research into atmospheric energy harvesting. To design a proper feasibility experiment, I need to establish some theoretical baselines. I see a lot of values for the field strength for example, tossed about from various papers. However, there does not seem to be a standard theoretical model to account for things such as atmospheric conditions, weather, terrain etc. The experiment tends to be limited to a specific region under specific conditions. So far, I have not encountered any good papers to push my research forward. Does anyone have any papers or texts that can point me in the right direction?

 

[anorlunda]

That's a very broad question. It sounds like a degree in meteorology is what you need.

 

[Nik_2213]

IIRC, ambient weather provides ~100 Volts per vertical metre, but at VERY HIGH impedance.

Downside, the Voltage may vary very rapidly with changes in the weather. Also, like it or not, you are hanging out an extended aerial, which may suddenly become a lightning conductor. Take advice from amateur radio operators & clubs etc on how to rig such, with robust, proven by-pass and grounding arrangements...
DUE CARE, PLEASE.

I'd looked into such as a plot-line for a WIRS tale, found 'Radio Nature' (RSGB) by Renato Romero very useful. That's mostly for VLF / ELF / SLF signals, but such wavelengths are so long that a tuned antenna is impracticable, and measuring the static field may be the way to go...

I also picked up 'VLF phenomena', ed ARW Hughes, Csaba Ferenz & AK Gwal.

Be warned there is an eye-watering surfeit of woo and woo'sters around that part of the spectrum. Between HAARP, Schumann Resonance and Telluric Currents, finding real science is hard work. My home often rang to the shriek of, 'Not ANOTHER Orgone site ??'