MEASUREMENTS OF CLOUD-DROPLET CHARGE, ELECTRIC FIELD, AND POLAR CONDUCTIVITIES IN SUPERCOOLED CLOUDS

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the radii and free electric charges of cloud particles in supercooled cumuliform-type clouds which occurred at a 6580-ft MSL mountain observatory. Simultaneously, the positive and negative conductivities in the cloud and the atmospheric electric field at the site were recorded. The observed droplet charge distribution is symmetric about zero charge and approaches the equilibrium distribution described by the theory of random ionic diffusion electrification of cloud particles.