Abstract
A new theory concerning charge separation of atmospheric electricity is proposed, based on the selective capture of negative charge from atmospheric ion pairs by material surfaces. It explains why the earth's surface becomes negatively charged during fine weather, and provides a mechanism for the phenomenon of charge separation within clouds during the violent growth of thunderstorms. Also included is a description of laboratory and field experiments substantiating our views.
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Wåhlin, L. A possible origin of atmospheric electricity. Found Phys 3, 459–472 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00709114
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00709114