Calculation of atmospheric electric fields, penetrating from the ionosphere

Spatial distributions of electric fields and currents in the Earth atmosphere are calculated. In the ionosphere, electric potential distributions typical of substorms and quiet geomagnetic conditions are specified. The Earth is deemed to be an ideal conductor. The atmosphere is considered as a spherical layer with the given height dependence of conductivity. Given the chosen conductivity method and ionospheric parameter, equal to 300 kV, relative to the Earth, the electric field near the Earth surface is vertical and may be as much as 110 V/m. With the 60 kV potential difference in the polar cap of the ionosphere, in the atmosphere the electric field with the vertical component up to 13 V/m may be disturbed. These disturbances are maximal near the Earth surface. If horizontal scales of field nonuniformity are over 100 km, the electric field vertical component near the Earth surface may be calculated in the framework of the one-dimensional model. Distributions of fields and currents in the upper atmosphere may be obtained only from the three-dimensional model. The numerical method for solving electroconductivity problems allows taking into account conductivity inhomogeneities and the Earth surface relief.