Abstract
The generation mechanism of electric fields in the middle atmosphere based on the interaction between charged aerosol particles and an updrafting air flow is considered. Due to the gravity force there occurs a relative motion of air and aerosol particles which excites electric space charge waves. The mechanism is analogous to that of the resistive beam-plasma instability. It is shown that the most favourable conditions for the instability are realized at heights of 80–90 km in regions where the electron density is relatively low and heavy ions are predominant. Estimates are given for the aerosol component parameters which are necessary for the instability to be switched on.
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