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posted ago by SystemGay ago by SystemGay +10 / -0

https://www.feynmanlectures.caltech.edu/II_09.html
https://archive.md/PsDm5

Electricity in the Atmosphere

Although the electric current-density in the air is only a few micromicroamperes per square meter, there are very many square meters on the earth’s surface. The total electric current reaching the earth’s surface at any time is very nearly constant at 1800 amperes. This current, of course, is “positive”—it carries plus charges to the earth. So we have a voltage supply of 400,000 volts with a current of 1800 amperes—a power of 700 megawatts!