The study of atmospheric electricity in South Africa

Atmospheric electricity presents many problems requiring world‐wide cooperation. The values and variations of the atmospheric potential‐gradient, the air‐earth current, the factors controlling ionization‐equilibrium in the lower air, the intensity of the cosmic radiation, the conductivity of the upper air, and the disturbed fields produced by thunder‐storms and other agencies must all be carefully and continuously observed in all possible parts of the world if the problems they offer are to be effectively solved. At the present time the investigation of every one of these factors in the electrical state of the atmosphere seems to be entering upon a new and fruitful phase. Fresh methods of attack are being developed. the relative importance of each variable is much clearer than before. and more facilities are being provided for world‐wide and continuous observation. It is hoped that much of this new material may come from the African Continent.