Planetary Atmospheric Electricity, 2008 Space Sciences Series of ISSI Series, Vol. 30

This volume presents our contemporary understanding of atmospheric electricity at Earth and in other solar system atmospheres. It is written by experts in terrestrial atmospheric electricity and planetary scientists. Many of the key issues related to planetary atmospheric electricity are discussed. The physics presented in this book includes ionisation processes in planetary atmospheres, charge generation and separation, and a discussion of electromagnetic signatures of atmospheric discharges. The measurement of thunderstorms and lightning, including its effects and hazards, is highlighted by articles on ground and space based instrumentation, and new missions.Theory and modelling of planetary atmospheric electricity complete this review of the research that is undertaken in this exciting field of space science. This book is an essential research tool for space scientists and geoscientists interested in electrical effects in atmospheres and planetary systems. Graduate students and researchers who are new to the field will benefit from the introductory overviews and can quickly expand their knowledge by studying the subsequent sections.

Foreword.- Planetary Atmospheric Electricity.- Investigating Earth’s Atmospheric Electricity: a Role Model for Planetary Studies.- Updated Review of Planetary Atmospheric Electricity.- Physical Processes Related to Discharges in Planetary Atmospheres.- An Overview of Earth’s Global Electric Circuit and Atmospheric Conductivity.- Ions in the Terrestrial Atmosphere and Other Solar System Atmospheres.- Charge Generation and Separation Processes.- Physics of Electric Discharges in Atmospheric Gases: An Informal Introduction.- Cosmic Ray Induced Ion Production in the Atmosphere.- Meteoric Layers in Planetary Atmospheres.- Profiles of Ion and Aerosol Interactions in Planetary Atmospheres.- Composition and Measurement of Charged Atmospheric Clusters.- Atmospheric Ions and Aerosol Formation.- Tropospheric New Particle Formation and the Role of Ions.- Ground-Based and Space-Based Radio Observations of Planetary Lightning.- Atmospheric Electricity at Saturn.- Atmospheric Electricity Hazards.- Electrical Effects on Atmospheric Chemistry.- TARANIS—A Satellite Project Dedicated to the Physics of TLEs and TGFs.- Lightning Detection by LAC Onboard the Japanese Venus Climate Orbiter, Planet-C.- Charge Separation Mechanisms in Clouds.- Charge Structure and Dynamics in Thunderstorms.- Formation of Charge Layers in the Planetary Atmospheres.- Electrical Charging of Volcanic Plumes.- Electrical Activity and Dust Lifting on Earth, Mars, and Beyond.- The Charging of Planetary Rings.- Schumann Resonances as a Means of Investigating the Electromagnetic Environment in the Solar System.- Blue Jets: Upward Lightning.- VLF Studies During TLE Occurrences in Europe: A Summary of New Findings.- DEMETER Observations of EM Emissions Related to Thunderstorms.- On ULF Signatures ofLightning Discharges.

The most updated and comprehensive review of planetary lightning and electrical phenomena, as observed from Earth and from modern spacecraft Rich, methodological, detailed and thorough analysis of theories and experiments related to electrical processes occurring on Earth and other planetary bodies Comparative planetology at its best, with new images and state-of-the-art diagrams and illustrations