Abstract. It is well known that lithospheric electromagnetic emissions are generated before earthquakes occurrence. In our study, we consider the physical penetration mechanism of the electric field from the Earth's surface, through the atmosphere-ionosphere layers, and until its detection in space by satellites. A simplified approach is investigated using the electric conductivity equation, i.e., ∇ˆσ·∇Φ)=0 in the case of a vertical inclination of the geomagnetic field lines. Particular interest is given to the conductivity profile near the ground and the electric field distribution at the Earth's surface. Our results are discussed and compared to the models of Pulinets et al. (2003) and Denisenko et al. (2008). It is shown that the near ground atmospheric layer with low conductivity decreases the electric field penetration into the ionosphere. The model calculations have demonstrated that the electric field of lithospheric origin is too weak to be observed at satellite altitudes.