On the Electric Charges of Single Raindrops and Surface Field Intensity under Thunder Clouds

[摘要] Electric charges of single raindrops were simultaneously measured for their sizes and surface field intensity under thunder clouds at Kiryu and Yokohama. It was found that a definite inverse relation between the signs of charge and field existed in Japan also, except during the short period when the sign of the surface field changed. The reason of this exception was considered as follows. During the period when the sign of field changed, the field intensity was almost zero. Therefore, the charges of falling raindrops suffered no charge deformation as a result of the capture of ions according to Wilson's theory.Considering the phenomena, one can explain the wide divergencies observed in the relation between charge and field. To examine Smith's calculation, it is desirable that the charges of many raindrops be observed within a short period in which thee field intensity is considered to be constant.

[学科分类] 大气科学