Solar wind-atmospheric electricity-cloud microphysics connections to weather and climate

We review recent research articles that present observations of the large-scale day-to-day dynamic tropospheric response to changes in the downward current density Jz of the global atmospheric electric circuit (GEC). The evidence for the global circuit downward current density, Jz, causing changes i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics Vol. 149; pp. 277 - 290
Main Authors Lam, Mai Mai, Tinsley, Brian A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2016
Subjects
Atmospheric electricity
Cloud microphysics
Solar wind
Weather and climate
Cloud microphysics
Weather and climate
Solar wind
Atmospheric electricity
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Summary:We review recent research articles that present observations of the large-scale day-to-day dynamic tropospheric response to changes in the downward current density Jz of the global atmospheric electric circuit (GEC). The evidence for the global circuit downward current density, Jz, causing changes in atmospheric dynamics is now even stronger than as reviewed by Tinsley (2008) (Rep. Prog. Phys. 71, 066801). We consider proposed mechanisms for these responses, and suggest future directions for research. •Large-scale troposphere responses to changes in global atmospheric electric current.•Review Jz-related observed meteorological effects and proposed associated pathways.•Energy flow can be modulated by cloud microphysical responses to Jz changes.•One way is amplification by storm invigoration.•The second way is by changes in cloud albedo, cloud cover, and infrared opacity.
ISSN:1364-6826
1879-1824
DOI:10.1016/j.jastp.2015.10.019