A low-frequency electric field is observed during crater formation by
detonation of high explosive charges. The disturbance of the atmospher
e's electric potential gradient at ground level was measured in the ra
nge of frequencies between 0 and 200 Hz. Our results indicate that exp
losions are capable of creating large electrical charge separations in
the atmosphere. A Simple model of field generation is proposed. Furth
ermore, a correlation between the magnitude of the explosion and the e
lectric charge of the dust cloud is established. Using these results,
estimates of the intensity of the electric field generated during mete
orite impact crater formation is proposed.