Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of lightning in the tropics and its potential role in creating alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), and neutral fields or currents in the Earth. Participants explore various theories and concepts related to atmospheric electricity, ionospheric conductivity, and the implications of thunderstorms on global electric fields.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that lightning in the tropics is responsible for generating AC, DC, and neutral fields in the Earth, seeking confirmation of this theory.
- Another participant describes the ionospheric layer as electrically conductive, capable of transporting charges globally, and compares thunderstorms to VanDeGraff generators that charge the ionosphere and Earth.
- A repeated point emphasizes the daily activity level in the tropics but questions whether there is anything inherently special about that region regarding electrical phenomena.
- Schumann Resonance is mentioned as a low-frequency atmospheric electromagnetic phenomenon thought to be produced by lightning, with a speculative connection to brainwave frequencies.
- There is a mention of a continuous influx of charge to the Earth from various sources, contributing to a net positive charge that is balanced by lightning discharges.
- Anecdotal evidence is provided about a friend who observed significant positive voltage from snowflakes impacting an antenna, capable of lighting a neon lamp.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express various viewpoints on the role of lightning and thunderstorms in atmospheric electricity, with no consensus reached on the specifics of the theories or their implications.
Contextual Notes
Some claims rely on assumptions about the nature of electrical fields and the specific contributions of tropical lightning, which remain unresolved. The connection between Schumann Resonance and brainwaves is speculative and not established.