Interesting:
9 hours ago Anthony Watts
New study reveals how monitoring atmospheric electric fields can enhance the prediction of severe weather events. The researchers found significant electric field changes during heavy precipitation by analyzing data from southern Israel. These findings suggest that electric field measurements can serve as early indicators for extreme weather, offering vital nowcasting capabilities, particularly in regions prone to flash floods and sudden shifts in weather.
A new study led by Dr. Roy Yaniv from the Institute of Earth Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Sheba Medical Center, in collaboration with Dr. Assaf Hochman from The Hebrew University and Prof. Yoav Yair from Reichmann University, has made significant advances in understanding how atmospheric electric field measurements can help predict severe weather events. By closely examining low-pressure winter weather systems, known as ‘Cyprus Lows,’ in the arid Negev Desert of southern Israel, this research reveals new insights into the role of the electric field in anticipating heavy precipitation.
Focusing on ‘wet’ Cyprus Lows—situations where rain falls as a cold front moves through—researchers observed substantial increases in the Potential Gradient of the electric field. Minute-by-minute data showed Potential Gradient values rising sharply from typical fair-weather levels (around 100-200 volts per meter) to hundreds and even thousands of volts per meter during rainfall. These surges occurred as convective clouds passed overhead, indicating that different cloud types produce unique electric field patterns. The study also highlighted that factors beyond rain intensity, such as cloud structure and the electrical charge of rain droplets, play roles in these electric fluctuations.
https://wattsupwiththat.com/2024/12/03/interesting/
