On electrical rectification by the Earth's lower atmosphere

The relation of the current‐density to the impressed electric field‐intensity is worked out for the Earth's atmosphere, taking account of space‐charge. It is shown that the departures from Ohm's law are such that electricity is transferred outward from the Earth with greater ease than inward. Thus the large random alternating electric fields of the type observed during storms will result in a net upward transfer of electricity which may leak off over a large area and contribute to the normal or fair‐weather electric field. The fair‐weather field is downward and hence, with given field‐intensities, the electrical discharge of the Earth is more difficult than is the process of replenishment. The fundamental action of the atmosphere as an electrical rectifier, is emphasized.