Is there a Vertical Magnetic Force in a Cyclone?

Abstract

THE discovery of a powerful magnetic force along the axis of a solar vortex will have suggested, no doubt, to others besides myself the possibility of a vertical magnetic force in a terrestrial cyclone. If such should exist, and the electrification of the air be positive, there would be a reduction in the magnitude of the vertical component of the earth's field in the northern hemisphere when the centre of the cyclone passes over the place of observation. As to the magnitude of the effect, an elementary calculation shows that the intensity of the force in C.G.S. units at the centre of a mass of air 100 miles in radius, revolving with a velocity of fifty miles per hour at that radial distance, would be less than 10¹⁰ρ, where ρ is the volume density of electrification in coulombs per cubic cm. Under ordinary atmospheric conditions ρ has been estimated as of the order 10^-10, although much larger values have been sometimes obtained, and the magnetic force consequently, would be of the order 10^-9.