Earth Circuit Generator - Lightning

Lightning is the primary mechanism that moves negative charge from the atmosphere back into the Earth. Each strike injects a sharp current pulse into the ground, spreading electrons through soil, rock, water, and built surfaces. That constant charge transfer is what maintains the Earth’s negative surface potential and keeps the global electric circuit running.

Zoom in on the strike point and the picture becomes more concrete. The pavement and subsurface layers briefly act as a high-conductivity entry point, allowing the injected charge to diffuse laterally through the ground. This distributed charge is what grounding ties you into: a stable, low-impedance reservoir maintained by the continuous input of atmospheric electricity.