Variations of the surface electric field during the passage of the MCC on the example of Tomsk

Abstract

The slow variations of electric field potential gradient were investigated during the passage of mesoscale convective complexes (MCC) over the city of Tomsk. Variations of potential gradient during the MCC are characterized by prolonged periods of negative disturbance related with the passage of the base of the cloud system, which has mainly a negative charge, according to 31 cases. The positive disturbance has a shorter duration and is linked to the anvil. Variations of electric field potential gradient under the effect of MCC have an average duration of 2 hours and an amplitude of 12 kV/m.