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Are large high-altitude electric fields caused by global thunderstorms?

Earth, Planets and Space volume 54, pages 415–420 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

Using the model of a spherical symmetric atmosphere the large-scale electric fields generated by the global thunderstorms are investigated. Theoretical formulations have been developed to calculate high-altitude electric fields due to global thunderstorms, taking into account the presence of the ionosphere. We make use of the assumption that in the ionosphere the geomagnetic field lines are equipotentials. The calculations indicate that the solution is highly sensitive to the variation of this upper boundary condition.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geophysics, Siberian Branch RAS, 630090, Novosibirsk, Russia

    Valery V. Plotkin

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  1. Valery V. Plotkin
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Correspondence to Valery V. Plotkin.

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Plotkin, V.V. Are large high-altitude electric fields caused by global thunderstorms?. Earth Planet Sp 54, 415–420 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352430

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352430

Keywords

  • Electric Potential
  • Universal Variation
  • Geomagnetic Field Line
  • Atmospheric Conductivity
  • Ionospheric Potential