Solar-terrestrial relationships in atmospheric electricity

Journal Article · Sun Jun 30 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JD090iD04p06000· OSTI ID:5640063

Roble, R G

There are many suggested solar-terrestrial relationships in global atmospheric electricity. Of the various relationships, the downward mapping of ionospheric and magnetospheric electric fields, associated with the solar wind/magnetosphere and the ionosphere wind dynamos, is best understood theoretically and appears to be supported by the few available data. The solar cycle variations of ionospheric potential and air-earth current appear to be related to variations in galactic cosmic rays and perhaps to their effect on the current output from thunderstorms. The solar flare and solar magnetic sector boundary variations are not well understood but may be related to Forbush decreases in cosmic ray flux and/or effects resulting from energetic particle precipitation. The available data on auroral effects on atmospheric electricity are confusing and not understood at all. There is a clear need for further research to better define the physical mechanisms responsible for all of these solar-terrestrial relationships. The observed solar-terrestrial variations and the need for current closure in the global circuit suggest that the function of the equalization layer in the ''classical picture'' of atmospheric electricity should be revised to be consistent with our current knowledge of upper-atmospheric electrical processes.

• Research Organization: National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
• OSTI ID: 5640063
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 90:D4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
CLOUDS
COSMIC RADIATION
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
FORBUSH DECREASE
IONOSPHERE
STORMS
CURRENTS
DISASTERS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADIATIONS
640203* - Atmospheric Physics- Magnetospheric Phenomena- (-1987)