The cloud chamber and CTR Wilson's legacy to atmospheric science

Harrison, Giles

doi:10.1002/wea.830

“…The basis for electrical activity on Mars has been assumed to be similar to electrical activity in Earth's atmosphere. This has been considered through the global circuit concept introduced for the Earth in the early 20th century by Wilson (1921), Harrison (2011). A global circuit relies on the existence of several key characteristics: a global generator (lightning, discharges, etc.…”

Section: Atmospheric Electricity On Marsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Harrison¹,

Barth²,

Esposito³

et al. 2017

Space Sciences Series of ISSI

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Atmospheric transport and suspension of dust frequently brings electrification, which may be substantial. Electric fields of 10 kV m −1 to 100 kV m −1 have been observed at the surface beneath suspended dust in the terrestrial atmosphere, and some electrification has been observed to persist in dust at levels to 5 km, as well as in volcanic plumes. The interaction between individual particles which causes the electrification is incompletely understood, and multiple processes are thought to be acting. A variation in particle charge with particle size, and the effect of gravitational separation explains to, some extent, the charge structures observed in terrestrial dust storms. More extensive flow-based modelling demonstrates that bulk electric fields in excess of 10 kV m −1 can be obtained rapidly (in less than 10 s) from rotating dust systems (dust devils) and that terrestrial breakdown fields can be obtained. Modelled profiles of electrical conductivity in the Martian atmosphere suggest the possibility of dust electrification, and dust devils have been suggested as a mechanism of charge separation able to maintain current flow between one region of the atmosphere and another, through a global circuit. Fundamental new understanding of Martian atmospheric electricity will result from the ExoMars mission, which carries the DREAMS (Dust characterization, Risk Assessment, and Environment Analyser on the Martian Surface

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“…This has been considered through the global circuit concept introduced for the Earth in the early 20th century by Wilson (1921), Harrison (2011). A global circuit relies on the existence of several key characteristics: a global generator (lightning, discharges, etc.…”

Section: Atmospheric Electricity On Marsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Harrison

¹

,

Barth

²

,

Esposito

³

et al. 2016

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Atmospheric transport and suspension of dust frequently brings electrification, which may be substantial. Electric fields of 10 kV m −1 to 100 kV m −1 have been observed at the surface beneath suspended dust in the terrestrial atmosphere, and some electrification has been observed to persist in dust at levels to 5 km, as well as in volcanic plumes. The interaction between individual particles which causes the electrification is incompletely understood, and multiple processes are thought to be acting. A variation in particle charge with particle size, and the effect of gravitational separation explains to, some extent, the charge structures observed in terrestrial dust storms. More extensive flow-based modelling demonstrates that bulk electric fields in excess of 10 kV m −1 can be obtained rapidly (in less than 10 s) from rotating dust systems (dust devils) and that terrestrial breakdown fields can be obtained. Modelled profiles of electrical conductivity in the Martian atmosphere suggest the possibility of dust electrification, and dust devils have been suggested as a mechanism of charge separation able to maintain current flow between one region of the atmosphere and another, through a global circuit. Fundamental new understanding of Martian atmospheric electricity will result from the ExoMars mission, which carries the DREAMS (Dust characterization, Risk Assessment, and Environment Analyser on the Martian Surface)-B R.G. Harrison

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“…Sadly, his professorial career was to be short-lived as he died after a short illness on 14 March 1967. After his death, a bottle of radioactive paint (used in instrumentation for atmospheric electricity measurements) and an original reference letter from Lord Rutherford were found in his desk (Harrison, 2018).…”

Section: Career At Durham Universitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Atmospheric electricity at Durham: the scientific contributions and legacy of J. A. (“Skip”) Chalmers (1904–1967)

Aplin

¹

2018

Hist. Geo Space. Sci.

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Abstract. John Alan Chalmers made major contributions to atmospheric electricity over almost 40 years spent at Durham University, UK. He is particularly remembered in the atmospheric science community for his accessible and insightful textbook, Atmospheric Electricity, and his work on corona currents, which are still regularly cited. He also supervised over 35 research students. This article discusses his background, scientific contributions, and significant legacy to modern atmospheric science within the context of a long and productive career spent at one of England's principal northern universities.

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The cloud chamber and CTR Wilson's legacy to atmospheric science

Cited by 16 publications

References 18 publications

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Atmospheric electricity at Durham: the scientific contributions and legacy of J. A. (“Skip”) Chalmers (1904–1967)

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The cloud chamber and CTR Wilson's legacy to atmospheric science

Cited by 16 publications

References 18 publications

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Applications of Electrified Dust and Dust Devil Electrodynamics to Martian Atmospheric Electricity

Atmospheric electricity at Durham: the scientific contributions and legacy of J. A. (&#8220;Skip&#8221;) Chalmers (1904&#8211;1967)

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Atmospheric electricity at Durham: the scientific contributions and legacy of J. A. (“Skip”) Chalmers (1904–1967)