Polyphaser is an industry benchmark. Their application
notes are considered legendary among industry professionals.
Polyphaser also discusses "discharging the positive earth
charges into the surrounding atmosphere":
http://www.polyphaser.com/ppc_TD1020.aspx

HeyBub wrote:
...
What these ground rods do - also lightning rods - is act as a
preventative to lightning by discharging the positive earth
charges into the surrounding atmosphere - an invisible shield
around the device - satellite dish or lightning rod. This
shield, however, can be penetrated by a sufficiently large
lighting bolt.