ilmatiiviyyttä

Ilmatiiviyttä, also known as atmospheric electricity, refers to the electrical phenomena that occur in the Earth's atmosphere. This includes the buildup and discharge of electrical charges, which can manifest in various forms such as lightning, thunder, and static electricity. The primary sources of atmospheric electricity are the Earth's surface, clouds, and the ionosphere.

The Earth's surface acts as a conductor, with a negative charge due to the accumulation of electrons. Conversely, the ionosphere, located about 50-100 kilometers above the Earth's surface, carries a positive charge. This charge separation creates an electric field, which is strongest near the Earth's surface and decreases with altitude.

Lightning is the most dramatic manifestation of atmospheric electricity. It occurs when the electric field becomes strong enough to ionize the air, creating a conductive path for the discharge of electrical energy. This discharge can heat the air to temperatures exceeding 30,000 degrees Celsius, causing the characteristic bright flash and thunder.

Static electricity is another common form of atmospheric electricity, often experienced when walking on carpeted floors or shuffling feet on dry surfaces. This occurs due to the triboelectric effect, where the friction between two materials generates an electric charge.

Atmospheric electricity plays a crucial role in various natural processes, including weather patterns, air quality, and the Earth's climate. Understanding these phenomena is essential for fields such as meteorology, atmospheric science, and environmental engineering.