Charge separation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004261",
  "term": "Charge separation",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The process by which positive and negative electrical charges become spatially separated within a cloud, leading to the buildup of electric fields. In thunderstorms, this occurs primarily through collisions between ice crystals, graupel, and supercooled water droplets, where lighter ice particles tend to acquire positive charge and heavier graupel negative charge. This separation is a prerequisite for lightning discharge.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/charge-separation/"
}