Electrostatic Charging Processes in the Earth Atmosphere

The electric current which circulates downwards in the Earth atmosphere results from the motion of positive and negative ions drifting in opposite directions under the influence of an electric field. A body such as a balloon or a gondola, moving upwards against the electric field collects an excess of positive ions, whereas a falling body, such as a water drop, may acquire a negative charge. In a similar way, parcels of hot and cold air ascending or descending in a cloud are selectively charged. This model is proposed as an explanation for the charge separation mechanism which takes place within thunderstorm clouds characterized by vigourous turbulence and convection.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.4271/1999-01-2366
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission of SAE International.
• Authors:
  • Grard, Réjean J
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity
  • Location: Toulouse , France
  • Date: 1999-6-22 to 1999-6-24
• Publication Date: 1999-6-22

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Serial:
  • SAE Technical Paper
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • ISSN: 0148-7191
  • EISSN: 2688-3627
  • Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Balloons; Turbulence; Water
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01794800
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: SAE International
• Report/Paper Numbers: 1999-01-2366
• Files: TRIS, SAE
• Created Date: Dec 9 2021 10:17AM