How are negative ions created in nature?
Negative ions can be created in the same way that static electricity is produced – through friction. When water passes through the air, friction causes the air molecules to to strip away electrons from the water molecules, thereby creating an abundance of negatively charged ions in the air. Thunderstorms can create ions from the friction caused by heavy clouds moving through the atmosphere. Waterfalls, ocean surf, and rain can create ions from the friction caused by water droplets falling through the air. Even fountains and showers can generate large amounts of negative ions.
