ELECTRIC CHARGE LIFE CYCLE IN WARM CLOUDS.

Abstract

Warm cloud electricity was extensively studied using a system comprised of raindrop charge radiosondes, raindrop charge-size radiosondes, cloud droplet charge radiosondes, space charge radiosondes, and electric potential gradient radiosondes. The data were analyzed and arranged to present a composite picture of the electric charge profile with respect to the cloud life cycle. It was found that warm clouds produce excess negative charge in-cloud throughout their life cycle. Two charge separation processes appear to occur. A model of warm cloud electricity has been completed, and the charge separation processes are discussed.