TROPOSPHERIC ELECTRICAL STRUCTURE,
Abstract
Tropospheric electrical structure is found to be an integral part of the earth's general global electrical structure. The dynamo circuits provide the basic electromotive force, with the tropospheric circuit providing a minor leakage return path. This tropospheric circuit current is downward in fair-weather regions, lateral through the earth's surface layers, and upward through convective storms. The vertical current in storm areas is caused by transport of the positive space charge which is characteristic of surface layers to higher altitudes, with an associated downward diffusion of negative charges from the dynamo currents above. When the electrical potential of dynamo current above a convective storm is negative and of sufficient magnitude, the vertical current is intensified, with lightning discharges playing a principal transport role in the lower layers. Tropospheric electrical structure is thus established in response to the dynamic structure of the dynamo region, with gross local modifications resulting from the high impedance and large time constants of the lower atmosphere. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0676154
Entities
People
- Willis L. Webb
Organizations
- Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory