Fair Weather Electric Field

The fair weather electric field is the gentle, steady electric field that exists between the Earth's surface and the atmosphere during clear, conditions-free weather. It is typically directed downward, from the sky to the ground, with a strength of about 100 volts per meter. This electric field results from the separation of positive and negative charges in the atmosphere, mainly caused by natural processes like thunderstorms and atmospheric convection. In fair weather, this field remains relatively steady and undisturbed, providing a baseline measurement of Earth's atmospheric electric environment.