Relationship between radar reflectivity thresholds and very low frequency/low frequency total lightning for thunderstorm identification

To improve our knowledge of the spatio-temporal correspondence between radar reflectivity and VLF/LF total lightning data,this paper proposes indexes to quantify the horizontal distribution and temporal evolution characteristics between radar composite reflectivity images and total lightning density map,lightning clusters and radar cells with different radar reflectivity thresholds(30,35,40,45 and 50 dBZ),respectively.It is found that the number of radar grid cells with radar reflectivity over 30 dBZ is ten times the number of lightning grid cells.At the identification stage,the lightning activity regions in a radar cell account for less than 30%using thresholds of 30,35 and 40 dBZ,respectively,and the radar cell has more than one lightning cluster,which means that the mesoscale convective systems typically have more than one draft,and drafts are only small part of the convection.The majority of the centroid deviations is less than 10 km,indicating that there are some shifts between electrically active regions and convective regions.Results suggest that VLF/LF total lightning data are consistent with radar data and total lightning data can be used individually on a smaller spatio-temporal scale than radar data.

Assimilation of GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper Flash Extent Density Data in GSI 3DVar, EnKF, and Hybrid En3DVar for the Analysis and Short-Term Forecast of a Supercell Storm Case

Capabilities to assimilate Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite “R-series ”(GOES-R) Geostationary Lightning Mapper(GLM) flash extent density(FED) data within the operational Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation ensemble Kalman filter(GSI-EnKF) framework were previously developed and tested with a mesoscale convective system(MCS) case. In this study, such capabilities are further developed to assimilate GOES GLM FED data within the GSI ensemble-variational(EnVar) hybrid data assimilation(DA) framework. The results of assimilating the GLM FED data using 3DVar, and pure En3DVar(PEn3DVar, using 100% ensemble covariance and no static covariance) are compared with those of EnKF/DfEnKF for a supercell storm case. The focus of this study is to validate the correctness and evaluate the performance of the new implementation rather than comparing the performance of FED DA among different DA schemes. Only the results of 3DVar and pEn3DVar are examined and compared with EnKF/DfEnKF. Assimilation of a single FED observation shows that the magnitude and horizontal extent of the analysis increments from PEn3DVar are generally larger than from EnKF, which is mainly caused by using different localization strategies in EnFK/DfEnKF and PEn3DVar as well as the integration limits of the graupel mass in the observation operator. Overall, the forecast performance of PEn3DVar is comparable to EnKF/DfEnKF, suggesting correct implementation.

Dynamic propagation velocity of a positive streamer in a 3 m air gap under lightning impulse voltage

Streamers represent an important stage in the initiation of gap discharge. In this work, we used an eight-frame intensified charge-coupled device camera to capture the streamer development process when a lightning impulse voltage of 95%–100% U50% was applied in a 3 m rod–plate gap and the streamer velocity was analyzed. Analysis of the observations shows that streamer velocity can be defined by three stages: rapid velocity decline(stage 1), rapid velocity rise(stage 2)and slow velocity decline(stage 3). The effects of electrode shape, applied voltage and gap breakdown or withstanding on streamer velocity were analyzed. The electrode with a larger radius of curvature will result in a higher initial velocity, and a higher voltage amplitude will cause the streamer to propagate faster at stage 3. Gap withstanding or breakdown has no obvious effect on streamer velocity. In addition, the experimental results are compared with previous results and the statistical characteristics of the primary streamer discharge are discussed.

Characteristics of Lightning Activity in Southeast China and its Relation to the Atmospheric Background

Based on the lightning observation data from the Fengyun-4A(FY-4A)Lightning Mapping Imager(FY-4A/LMI)and the Lightning Imaging Sensor(LIS)on the International Space Station(ISS),we extract the“event”type data as the lightning detection results.These observations are then compared with the cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning observation data from the China Meteorological Administration.This study focuses on the characteristics of lightning activity in Southeast China,primarily in Jiangxi Province and its adjacent areas,from April to September,2017–2022.In addition,with the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis data,we further delved into the potential factors influencing the distribution and variations in lightning activity and their primary related factors.Our findings indicate that the lightning frequency and density of the FY-4A/LMI,ISS-LIS and CG data are higher in southern and central Jiangxi,central Fujian Province,and western and central Guangdong Province,while they tend to be lower in eastern Hunan Province.In general,the high-value areas of lightning density for the FY-4A/LMI are located in inland mountainous areas.The lower the latitude is,the higher the CG lightning density is.High-value areas of the CG lightning density are more likely to be located in eastern Fujian and southeastern Zhejiang Province.However,the high-value areas of lightning density for the ISS-LIS are more dispersed,with a scattered distribution in inland mountainous areas and along the coast of eastern Fujian.Thus,the mountainous terrain is closely related to the high-value areas of the lightning density.The locations of the high-value areas of the lightning density for the FY-4A/LMI correspond well with those for the CG observations,and the seasonal variations are also consistent.In contrast,the distribution of the high-value areas of the lightning density for the ISS-LIS is more dispersed.The positions of the peak frequency of the FY-4A/LMI lightning and CG lightning contrast with local altitudes,primarily located at lower altitudes or near mountainsides.K-index and convective available potential energy(CAPE)can better reflect the local boundary layer conditions,where the lightning density is higher and lightning seasonal variations are apparent.There are strong correlations in the annual variations between the dew-point temperature(Td)and CG lightning frequency,and the monthly variations of the dew-point temperature and CAPE are also strongly correlated with monthly variations of CG lightning,while they are weakly correlated with the lightning frequency for the FY-4A/LMI and ISS-LIS.This result reflects that the CAPE shows a remarkable effect on the CG lightning frequency during seasonal transitions.

Influence of Lightning Disaster on Cities and Lightning Defense Measures

Under the influence of special terrain and climatic conditions,lightning weather in Ulanqab City is more frequent from June to August,and lightning disaster has become one of the important tasks of disaster prevention and mitigation.In this paper,based on the characteristics of lightning weather in Ulanqab City,the impact of lightning disaster on the city was analyzed,and lightning protection measures,such as strengthening supervision of lightning protection safety,establishing a long-term lightning protection mechanism,doing a good job in lightning protection construction and detection in key places,and further improving public awareness of lightning protection,were put forward to reduce and avoid urban lightning disasters as much as possible and ensure urban safety.

Numerical Simulations of the Flow Field around a Cylindrical Lightning Rod

As an important lightning protection device in substations,lightning rods are susceptible to vibration and potential structural damage under wind loads.In order to understand their vibration mechanism,it is necessary to conduct flow analysis.In this study,numerical simulations of the flow field around a 330 kV cylindrical lightning rod with different diameters were performed using the SST k-ωmodel.The flow patterns in different segments of the lightning rod at the same reference wind speed(wind speed at a height of 10 m)and the flow patterns in the same segment at different reference wind speeds were investigated.The variations of lift coefficient,drag coefficient,and vorticity distribution were obtained.The results showed that vortex shedding phenomena occurred in all segments of the lightning rod,and the strength of vortex shedding increased with decreasing diameter.The vorticity magnitude and the root mean square magnitudes of the lift coefficient and drag coefficient also increased accordingly.The time history curves of the lift coefficient and drag coefficient on the surface of the lightning rod exhibited sinusoidal patterns with a single dominant frequency.For the same segment,as the wind speed increased in a certain range,the root mean square values of the lift coefficient and drag coefficient decreased,while their dominant frequencies increased.Moreover,there was a proportional relationship between the dominant frequencies of the lift coefficient and drag coefficient.The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for the refined design of lightning rods with similar structures.

Lightning in a Forest (Wild) Fire: Mechanism at the Molecular Level

The mechanism of lightning that ignites a forest fire and the lightning that occurs above a forest fire are explained at the molecular level. It is based on two phenomena, namely, internal charge separation inside the atmospheric cloud particles and the existence of a layer of positively charged hydrogen atoms sticking out of the surface of the liquid layer of water on the surface of rimers. Strong turbulence-driven collisions of the ice particles and water droplets with the rimers give rise to breakups of the ice particles and water droplets into positively and negatively charged fragments leading to charge separation. Hot weather in a forest contributes to the updraft of hot and humid air, which follows the same physical/chemical processes of normal lightning proposed and explained recently[1]. Lightning would have a high probability of lighting up and burning the dry biological materials in the ground of the forest, leading to a forest (wild) fire. The burning of trees and other plants would release a lot of heat and moisture together with a lot of smoke particles (aerosols) becoming a strong updraft. The condition for creating lightning is again satisfied which would result in further lightning high above the forest wild fire.

Flashover Probability of Wind Turbine Blade and Impact of Strong Electromagnetic Pulse from Lightning Strikes on Wind Turbine Safety

This paper systematically studies the flashover probability of wind turbine blade lightning arrester and the impact of strong electromagnetic pulses on the local and surrounding wind turbines during lightning strikes.The research results indicate that the flashover probability of direct lightning strikes by the wind turbine blade lightning arrester is almost negligible,and the strong electromagnetic pulse of wind turbine blade during lightning strikes has a serious impact on the electronic equipment of the machine,while the impact on the surrounding wind turbine is relatively small.At the same time,the calculation formula for the reflection of lightning current on the carbon brush between the wind turbine hub and the engine compartment during the flashing of the wind turbine blades is provided,and the calculation method for calculating the spatial gradient distribution of electromagnetic field intensity using Biot-Savart Law theorem is applied.The limitations of using wind turbine blades for lightning protection are pointed out,and a technical route for achieving wind turbine lightning safety is proposed,which can be used as a reference for wind turbine lightning protection technicians.

Construction Technology of Lightning Protection Devices in Building Electrical Installation Engineering

To better improve the electrical safety of buildings and fulfill the role of lightning protection and grounding,this article combines cases and discusses seven aspects of lightning protection devices’construction technology.These aspects include the lightning protection classification of buildings,air terminals,down conductors,grounding devices,division of lightning protection zones,and lightning electromagnetic pulse shielding.Through the introduction of this article,readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the application and value of lightning protection grounding construction technology in building electrical installation projects.

Estimation of Lightning-Generated NO_(x) in the Mainland of China Based on Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Location Data

Lightning-generated nitrogen oxides(LNO_(x))have a major influence on the atmosphere and global climate change.Therefore,it is of great importance to obtain a more accurate estimation of LNO_(x).The aim of this study is to provide a reference for the accurate estimation of the total LNO_(x) in the mainland of China based on cloud-to-ground lightning(CG)location data from 2014 to 2018.The energy of each CG flash was based on the number of return strokes per CG flash,the peak current of each return stroke,and the assumed CG breakdown voltage.The energy of intracloud lightning(IC)was based on the estimated frequencies of IC and the assumed energy of each IC flash.Combining the energy of lightning and the number of nitric oxide(NO)molecules produced by unit energy(ρno),the total LNO_(x) production in the mainland of China was determined.The LNO_(x) in the mainland of China estimated in this study is in the range(0.157-0.321)×10^(9) kg per year[Tg(N)yr-1],which is on the high end of other scholars’works.Negative cloud-to-ground lightning(NCG)flashes produce the most moles of NO_(x),while positive cloud-to-ground lightning(PCG)flashes produce the least total moles of NO_(x).The breakdown voltage of PCG is greater than that of IC or NCG,while the latter has a greater output of LNO_(x).

Analysis on Attenuation Efficiency of Lightning Current by Lightning Interceptor

Lightning interception technology is one of the three core technical systems of regional lightning protection theory.Among them,the omni-directional multi-pulse lightning interceptor(hereinafter referred to as lightning interceptor,the same below)has the ability to attenuate lightning current≥40%and significantly reduce the intensity of the spatial electromagnetic field around the lightning point.In order to explore the attenuation mechanism and effect of lightning interceptor to lightning current,this paper analyzed a lightning stroke process at 16:00 on August 19,2022,and tried to explain the attenuation effect of lightning interceptor to lightning current with the physical parameters of lightning stroke.

Limitations of Lightning Rods in Preventing Direct Lightning Strikes

Since ancient times,lightning disasters have undoubtedly been an unstoppable threat to humanity.During thunderstorms,lightning often damages objects on the ground,such as buildings and structures.Since Franklin invented the lightning rod in 1752,lightning rods have been used worldwide to prevent direct lightning strikes in various fields such as high-voltage power transmission lines,outdoor chemical sites,highways,land and sea wind farms,and forest lightning fire protection.It has been proven that lightning accidents still occur frequently in places where lightning rods are installed and the protective angle method is used.In order to further study the protective effect of lightning rods and identify the shortcomings of lightning rod protection,negative lightning strikes are taken as the research object,to analyze the limitations of lightning rods in preventing direct lightning strikes from the working principle of lightning rods.

Distribution of lightning spatial modes and climatic causes in China

本文利用中国气象局国家雷电监测网(CNLDN)的地闪观测数据集,分析了2010-2020年中国陆地区域地闪空间模态分布特征及其可能的气候成因.研究发现,夏季地闪第一模态的方差贡献率为32.86%,其分布从北到南呈现出“-+-”的经向跷跷板模式,当东太平洋和印度洋的海温异常增暖,西北太平洋的海温异常变冷时,在中国黄海,东海及热带西太平洋地区激发出气旋性环流,随着水汽南下至华南地区,与来自孟加拉湾的水汽汇合,上升运动在此加强,从而使得该地区的雷电活动增强.表明厄尔尼诺-南方涛动(ENSO)现象,是发生在中国陆地区域的地闪活动的气候驱动因子。

Development of a low-frequency magnetic lightning mapping system(LFM-LMS)in North China:validation and preliminary results

A low-frequency magnetic lightning mapping system(LFM-LMS)was built during the SHAndong Triggered Lightning Experiment(SHATLE),based on continuous measurements of magnetic field radiation from lightning.The hardware and source-mapping techniques used by the LFM-LMS were introduced;both Monte Carlo simulations and the observation of rocket-triggered lightning examples were employed to examine the location accuracy and detection effectiveness of the LFM-LMS.We estimated that the system’s location accuracy about 100−200 m horizontally and~200 m vertically.A natural intra-cloud lightning flash and a rocket-triggered lightning flash,both with intricate structures and discharging processes,were examined using the three-dimensional mapping results.The progressing path of negative lightning leaders is usually well-defined,and its propagation speed is estimated to be(0.5−1.4)×10^(6)m/s.In summary,the LFM-LMS can reconstruct the three-dimensional morphology of lightning flashes;this technology provides a efficient method for investigating the characteristics of lightning development,as well as the overall electrical strucuture of thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Activities over Western Pacific,Northern Indian Ocean and South China Sea Along with Their Adjacent Lands

The Lightning Imaging Sensor(LIS)and Radar Precipitation Feature(RPF)data are used to investigate the activities and properties of lightning and thunderstorms over a region including the Western Pacific,northern Indian Ocean and the South China Sea along with their adjacent lands.The lands feature significantly more frequent lightning flashes and thunderstorms than the oceans,especially the open oceans.The highest densities of lightning and thunderstorm occur over the Strait of Malacca and the southern foothills of the Himalayas.Over the ocean regions,the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea are characterized by relatively frequent lightning and thunderstorm activities.Larger average spatiotemporal size and optical radiance of flashes can be found over the oceans;specifically,the offshore area features the most significant flash duration,and the open ocean area is characterized by the greatest flash length and optical radiance.The smallest average values of flash properties can be found over and around the Tibetan Plateau(TP).The oceanic thunderstorms tend to have a significantly larger horizontal extent than the continental thunderstorms,with the former and latter having the average area of the regions with radar reflectivity larger than 20 dBZ,generally over 7000 km^(2) and commonly below 6000 km^(2),respectively.The TP thunderstorms show the smallest horizontal extent.Meanwhile,the oceanic thunderstorms exhibit greater 20 dBZ but smaller 40 dBZ top heights than the continental thunderstorms.The average flash frequency and density of the oceanic thunderstorms are typically less than 5 fl min^(-1) and 0.3 fl 100 km^(-2) min^(-1),respectively;in contrast,the corresponding values of continental thunderstorms are greater.It is explored that the regions associated with strong convective thunderstorms are more likely to feature small-horizontal-extent and low-radiance flashes.

Analysis of Lightning Disaster in Shaoyang City and Research on Its Defense Countermeasures

The climate impact assessment and monthly and annual reports of surface meteorological observation of cities and counties were reviewed,and there were no records of lightning disasters in Shaoyang from 1978 to 2000.Since 2001,there have been few records of lightning disasters,with only about 10 times in various regions.In this paper,a total of 143 investigation reports on lightning accidents since 2002 were collected,and statistical analysis was conducted based on the loss,location of occurrence,damaged industries,and social impact.In particular,the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of lightning in Shaoyang area have been clearly understood,and the main characteristics and laws of lightning accidents in Shaoyang area were revealed.The results showed that the most lightning accidents occurred in June,and no lightning accidents occurred in December.Dongkou,Longhui,and Shaoyang urban areas were the lightning prone areas,and the impact of lightning on agriculture was the largest,followed by commerce.The prevention countermeasures of lightning disasters were proposed to provide reference for disaster prevention and reduction.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Lightning Activity in Ulanqab City

From January 2020 to December 2021,Ulanqab Meteorological Bureau of Inner Mongolia used VLF/LF lightning locator to carry out three-dimensional lightning monitoring in Ulanqab City,and compared with ADTD lightning location data in the same period.The results show that both VLF/LF lightning locator and ADTD lightning locator had excellent monitoring ability for lightning during flood season in Ulanqab.VLF/LF lightning locator was slightly superior to ADTD lightning locator in observation accuracy,the observation ability of low-current cloud-to-ground lightning,intracloud lightning observation and so on.There were obvious temporal and spatial characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning during flood season in Ulanqab,and there was a certain correlation between the areas where lightning appeared frequently and surface water.Intracloud lightning was mainly concentrated at a height of 1-7 km.Negative cloud-to-ground lightning accounted for about 75%of total cloud-to-ground lightning,and negative intracloud lightning accounted for 39%of total intracloud lightning.

Three Core Technical Systems and Engineering Application of Regional Lightning Protection

Regional lightning protection is a complete theoretical system,mainly including:lightning interception technology(LIPT),lightning strong electromagnetic pulse high-energy absorption technology(MSPD),and regional lightning activity law analysis technology(RLLA).Lightning interception technology uses dispersive waveguide resonant cavity technology to achieve the functions of 46.55 m longer than upward leader of ordinary lightning rod,significantly reducing lightning strike point current by 40%,optimizing space electromagnetic field environment,and effectively intercepting overhead and side lightning strikes,and overcome the limitations of traditional lightning rod.The lightning strong electromagnetic pulse high-energy absorption technology uses distributed parameter balance technology,special disconnector for short circuit current,and parity pairing technology to achieve stronger surge absorption capacity than traditional single pulse SPD and international advanced technical indicators such as timely breaking under power frequency short circuit current,and good energy and time coordination.The analysis technology of regional lightning activity laws accurately identifies lightning strike points through comprehensive analysis of regional lightning activity laws,physical parameters of ion clouds,and the impact on ground electric fields.The three core technology systems complement each other,achieving all-round protection against direct lightning strike and lightning electromagnetic pulse.Several projects achieved zero lightning damage,effectively ensuring the safety of buildings and electronic and electrical equipment in the protected area.

Intelligent Protection and Monitoring System of Lightning Disaster

Based on Internet technology,modern wireless communication technology and new sensor technology,an intelligent protection and monitoring system of lightning disaster was established to collect lightning current(lightning intensity,frequency and time),induced lightning current and leakage current of surge protector(SPD),earthing resistance,working voltage,temperature and humidity in the lightning environment and other data in real time.Through the online analysis of visual data and automatic alarm beyond the preset value of cloud platform,it can realize the intelligent online monitoring and management of lightning protection devices,providing scientific and reliable lightning protection technical support for lightning protection and disaster reduction,and ensuring the smooth development and efficient management of lightning protection safety work.

LLSDA: Design and Implementation of Lightning Location Data Analysis and Visualization

Visualizing lightning location data is necessary in analyzing and researching lightning activity patterns.This article uses C#and the cross-platform.NET framework to develop a lightning location data analysis class library and the data-driven client to help lightning researchers improve work efficiency by avoiding repeated wheel invention.Lightning Location System Data Analyzer(LLSDA)is a suite of software tools that includes a.NET class library for software developers and a desktop application for end users.It supports a wide range of lightning location data formats,such as the University of Washington Global Lightning Location System(WWLLN)and Beijing Huayun Dongfang ADTD Lightning Location System data format,and maintains scalability.The class library can easily read,parse,and analyze lightning location data,and combined with third-party frameworks can realize grid analysis.The desktop application can be combined with MeteoInfo(a GIS open-source project)for secondary development.