Item: The Sign of Electrostatic Charge on Drifting Snow
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Title: The Sign of Electrostatic Charge on Drifting Snow
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1992 International Snow Science Workshop, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Authors:
- Scott Schmidt
- R.A. Schmidt
Date: 1992
Abstract: A review of the mechanics by which drifting snow develops electrostatic charge shows the sign of the charge is expected to be negative. A corresponding positive charge is expected at the snow surface. These theoretical expectations are confirmed· by most measurements, but this paper shows that erosion of surface particles may cause charge sign fluctuations. When surface particles are eroded by wind gusts, these positively charged particles become mixed with moving particles that have developed negative charge. The measured sign of charge on a mass of particles trapped from the drift may swing from negative to positive during strong wind gusts.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: electrostatic charge, temperature gradient, blizzards
Page Number(s): 351-360
Subjects: snow drifting temperature gradients wind tunnel experiments
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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