I've studied meteorology (about weather phenomenon not debris falling from space) and I have a theory about the role of charged (electrons or ions) clouds as a catalyst in producing thunderstorms.
If a charged cloud has a very large group of electrons, it would seem the repulsion between the charges would decrease the density and also increase buoyancy. Consequently, a charged air mass in an overall neutral air mass would be more subject to convection and that could act as a catalyst in producing cumulonimbus (highly convective) thunderstorms.
Obviously, aerodynamic forces would dominate the electrostatic forces, however I still wonder if the buoyancy of charged regions could have a significant effect on convection and formation of rain or hail. For example, if a lightning discharge occurs, the buoyancy of the charged air mass would suddenly decrease and cause it to fall and eventually produce rain.
This is a purely anecdotal observation, but I've experienced many initially dry thunderstorms where a severe lightning discharge would be immediately followed by the start of rainfall. Perhaps the coincidence between the lightning and the start of rain is simply due to the storm reaching the mature stage which results in the rapid condensation of the humid air mass into rain drops. However, I'm curious if the lightning discharges the air mass and the decrease in density (and loss of buoyancy) promotes the condensation and the formation of rain.
If a charged cloud has a very large group of electrons, it would seem the repulsion between the charges would decrease the density and also increase buoyancy. Consequently, a charged air mass in an overall neutral air mass would be more subject to convection and that could act as a catalyst in producing cumulonimbus (highly convective) thunderstorms.
Obviously, aerodynamic forces would dominate the electrostatic forces, however I still wonder if the buoyancy of charged regions could have a significant effect on convection and formation of rain or hail. For example, if a lightning discharge occurs, the buoyancy of the charged air mass would suddenly decrease and cause it to fall and eventually produce rain.
This is a purely anecdotal observation, but I've experienced many initially dry thunderstorms where a severe lightning discharge would be immediately followed by the start of rainfall. Perhaps the coincidence between the lightning and the start of rain is simply due to the storm reaching the mature stage which results in the rapid condensation of the humid air mass into rain drops. However, I'm curious if the lightning discharges the air mass and the decrease in density (and loss of buoyancy) promotes the condensation and the formation of rain.
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