Abstract
The omnipresent, fluctuating, vertical, negative electric field of fine weather ranges in intensity from 100 or 200 V 1m at the earth's surface to about 5 V 1m at the tropopause. Because the atmosphere is a conductor, this field causes an ionic conduction current to flow of about 10-12 A/m2 or 103 A over the entire globe. This flow of positive charge from the atmosphere to the earth is balanced by various electrical processes that transport positive charge from the earth into the atmosphere at an equal rate. Blowing dust, sand, and snow, volcanic activity and the spray from the ocean play a part, but the primary cause of this atmospheric electrification is the thunderstorm. For reasons that are not understood, large convective clouds produce extensive regions of space charge, electric fields in excess of 105 Vim, and lightning sparks many kilometers in length. Not only the causes, but also the effects of electrification of clouds are still far from being understood. Some scientists believe the electrification is inconsequential, others that it may have important effects, such as accelerating the formation of precipitation.
Published Version
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