But thunderstorms are not the only way the atmosphere conducts electricity вЂ“ the solar wind and ionospheric wind play a role too. Without thunderstorms and lightning, the earth-atmosphere electrical balance would disappear in five minutes! We aren't really sure what would happen if this balance wasn't maintained. Thunderstorms help transfer the negative charges back to earth (lightning is generally negatively charged). There is always a steady current of electrons flowing upwards from the entire surface of the earth. The Earth's surface and the atmosphere conduct electricity easily вЂ“ the Earth is charged negatively and the atmosphere, positively. Thunderstorms also help keep the Earth in electrical balance. As the thunderstorm progresses, eventually the rain cools the entire process down and the energy is gone. A large amount of the thunderstorm's energy comes from the condensation process that forms the thunderstorm clouds. As the water vapor condenses it releases heat, which is a form of energy. When warm moist air meets colder drier air, the warm air rises, the water vapor condenses in the air, and forms a cloud. Supercell Why are there thunderstorms? Thunderstorms are a great way for the atmosphere to release energy.

Videos de tormentas electricas