A theory of ball lightning as an electric discharge

It is proposed, on the basis of solutions of electron and ion transport equations, together with Poisson's equation, that ball lightning is an electric discharge which is continuously varying on a microsecond time scale. It is further proposed that this corona-like discharge is sustained by electric fields associated with charges from a lightning strike dispersing along preferred conducting paths in the earth. The theory gives an explanation of the formation, lifetime, energy source and motion of ball lightning.