Ball lightning and other meteorological phenomena

Abstract

The properties of ball lightning can all be explained on the basis of an approximate thermodynamic assessment of the chemical processes which must be occurring. Detailed explanations involve rather complex interactions between the various electrical, chemical and physical effects. There is no thermodynamic reason why high temperatures are needed to start the most crucial component — thermochemical refrigeration. Thus related chemical processes could have a wider application. After considering how the various forces combine in ball lightning and its close relatives, the possibility is explored that evidence already exists for similar, but simpler, combinations of forces. Such evidence is found both in the meteorological literature and in many of the early studies on condensation and steam phase electrochemistry. Chemical processes which can lead to charging of the earth and to thunderstorm electricity are considered, as are some very relevant properties of tornadoes. Related effects may also be responsible for the unexpectedly high temperature gradient found near the inner coma of Halley's Comet. The reported change in direction of the Tunguska bolide as well as its explosion in the atmosphere may also result from processes like those which occur in ball lightning. The physical chemistry of ions in saturated water vapour is not understood quantitatively and this ignorance is part of the reason ball lightning has seemed so strange. The same lack of information has also inhibited any follow-up of important laboratory findings related to droplet condensation. Suggestions for future work are made and some of the problems discussed.