The electric fields of South African thunderstorms

Abstract

The quantitative study of the electrical changes taking place in thunderstorms was initiated and has been developed by Prof. C. T. R. Wilson in two important papers. Measurements of the electric fields due to charged clouds and of the field changes associated with lightning discharges have led him to put forward certain views according to which the thunderstorm is an important factor in the production and maintenance of several electro-meteorological phenomena with which it has not previously been considered connected. Chief amongst these is the negative charge on the surface of the earth, for the replenishment of which the views of Wilson require a certain preponderance of thunderclouds of positive polarity, i.e ., positively charged above and negatively charged below, over clouds of negative polarity, the ionisation currents between the bases of the clouds of the former type and the ground serving to maintain the earth’s charge at a steady value in spite of the reverse current flowing in regions of fine weather. It is necessary, in order to test this theory, that observations be made in different parts of the world to examine whether the required preponderance of clouds of positive polarity exist. For this purpose South Africa, which contributes largely to the world’s supply of thunderstorms, is very suitable.