Latitudinal and Longitudinal Variations of Earth’s Magnetic Force on Electrified Hydrometeors

Abstract

In this study, a hypothesis is proposed about the possible effect of Geomagnetic field (GMF) on the charge structure of a thundercloud based on Lorentz force equation and Fleming’s right-hand rule. To prove this hypothesis, a simulation using the12th International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model has been made. In this simulation, latitudinal and longitudinal variations of Earth’s magnetic force on electrified hydrometeor are considered. With regard to the simulation results, the electrified hydrometeor’ velocity vector is noteworthy to consider GMF effect on charge structure of thundercloud. Furthermore, the influence of GMF on charge separation could clarify the reason of some real thunderstorm observations. Finally, the effect of GMF on charge structure of thunderclouds might be a mechanism for electric field development and lightning initiation.