The discharging current in the atmosphere due to the small conductivity of air is known to be 1800 A on average over the globe. Why then does the atmosphere not discharge itself completely in due course and become electrically neutral? In other words, what keeps the atmosphere charged?
The atmosphere is continually being charged by thunderstorms and lightning all over the globe and discharge through regions of ordinary weather. The two opposing currents are on an average in equilibrium.
