On the Impact of Disturbed Weather Regions on the Global Electric Circuit

The influence of disturbed weather regions on electric processes in the atmosphere is of considerable interest in the global electric circuit (GEC) investigations. Recent studies [1]–[2] show that the contribution of clouds into the global electric circuit still requires careful research to refine existing models. Among the conductivity inhomogeneities typical for various elements of the GEC the perturbed regions associated with thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm clouds occupy an important place [3]. The conductivity of the Stratus and Cumulus clouds can be significantly reduced in comparison with the fair-weather conductivity of the ambient air. Such heterogeneities can significantly affect the structure and quantitative characteristics of the GEC.