Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 1965
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1965jatp...27..673r&link_type=abstract
Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics, vol. 27, no. 6, pp. 673-694, IN1, 695-705
Physics
3
Scientific paper
An atmospheric electric feed-back process is suggested for discussion. On the basis of this process, if it can be proved to take place, it should be possible to explain the fast, avalanche-like increase of charge densities and field strengths in thunderclouds. The process requires two conditions to be realized, viz. that: 1. (a) in the cloud space, appreciable amounts of nitrous gases are formed due to electrical discharges (mainly silent discharges) where by an increase in NO3' ion concentration of the precipitation particles is caused, and that 2. (b) upon ice crystals (mainly small, needle-shaped crystals or crystal points projecting from wet hail pellets) breaking into pieces of unequal sizes, electric charges are separated whose amount depends on the concentration and distribution of NO3' ions in the crystals. Realization of condition (a) is proved by means of numerous determinations of NO3' ion concentrations of precipitation samples collected simultaneously at 700, 1800 and 3000 m above sea-level, respectively. A definite simultaneous increase of NO3' ion concentration is found at all levels when there is an increase of turbulence intensity and of electrical activity in the cloud space. To prove the realization of condition (b), laboratory experiments were carried out in an atmospheric electric cloud chamber. They showed that the amount of electric charge liberated upon crystal points breaking away is the higher, the higher concentration and the concentration gradient of NO3' ions are in the crystals. In addition, there is a relation between crystal shape (thickness, irregular growth due to accretion of cloud droplets) and amount and polarity of the charge. The experimentally measured amounts of charge permit the estimate that the process considered is able to generate charge at the rate of 15 C/km3. min inside a thundercloud.
Carnuth Walter
Reiter Ralf
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