Extraterrestrial Forcing, Atmospheric Electricity, and the Occurrence of Thunderstorms.
Abstract
It is generally accepted by many scientists that a cause-effect relationship exists between solar activity and weather. Statistical evidence is provided to support this concept; atmospheric electricity and stratospheric-tropospheric exchange are highlighted. Although many accept the idea, there are those who are skeptical about such a relationship because no definite physical mechanism exists between the two. This is a topic of much discussion and debate. It is believed that the shielding of the Earth from galactic cosmic rays during increased periods of solar activity plays a key role in the process. Several of the mechanisms discussed rely on this concept. The emphasis will be on the attention in this area. On the topic of the atmospheric electrical mechanism, two hypotheses are presented: those of Markson and Hale. Finally, the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange mechanism is introduced. This mechanism is similar to the atmospheric electrical mechanism in that it also depends on the possible modulation of the thunderstorm generator by solar activity. Tropopause folding events are presented as a vital link in the stratospheric-tropospheric exchange mechanism. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA170463
Entities
People
- Angelo M. Nuzzo
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology