Gardiner1.html Gardiner, B., D. Lamb, R.L. Pitter, and J. Hallet, Measurements of initial potential gradient and particle charges in a Montana summer thunderstorm, J. Geophys. An Aerocommander aircraft made three passes through a small isolated thunderstorm on July 19, 1981. The Aerocommander was equipped to measure the vertical component of the ambient potential gradient, particle charge, particle size and character, cloud liquid water content, temperature, and vertical velocity.
Evidence is presented for the association of charge with ice particles.
The development of the potential gradient in relation to movement of these ice particles is discussed. The results are compared to concepts derived from recent laboratory experiments on the charge produced during ice particle collisions.