Discussion about the Relationship between Thunderstorm Days and Lightning Density

[Objective]The study aimed to discuss the relationship between thunderstorm days and lightning density. [Method]Based on the data of lightning density and thunderstorm days in Dalian region from 2007 to 2011,the optimal radius for the assessment of lightning risk was determined firstly,and then the relationship between thunderstorm days and lightning density in Dalian was fitted using the least square method. [Result]The optimal radius for the assessment of lightning risk was 25 km. The relation between lightning density and thunderstorm days could be fitted well by the formula y =0. 091x2-3. 447 2x ＋34. 713. [Conclusion]The fitting result was consistent with the actual situation,so the formula can be used in relative studies of Dalian.

OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF LIGHTNING CHARACTERISTICS IN HAIL-PRODUCING CLOUDS

1 INTRODUCTION Lightning is a phenomenon of atmospheric electricity with convective storms. Since the 1960＇s, its characteristics during weather processes of torrential rain, hails and tornadoes have been widely studied and a lot of attempts made to probe into the mechanisms responsible for the formation of lightningIll, giving rise to two theories explaining the lightning genesis, from the points of convection and ice-phase precipitation, respectively, In addition, some studies show, from various aspects, that lightning of severe convective weather. indicates the occurrence There has been lack of concrete indices to identify lightning features and determine hail-producing clouds. Apart from diagnostic . analysis based on conventional data , this work studies the evolution of lightning in 11 hails using relevant records and Doppler radar information and sums up a number of lightning features for hail weather in the sub-plateau area of Gansu province by taking as the criterion whether convective clouds cause hails in determining hail-producing clouds. In Gansu, hailproducing clouds usually originate from mountainous areas, follow fixed routes of movement and are often accompanied with heavy rainfall as they produce hails in more than a spot in the life cycle. To mitigate losses, it is essential to use scientific detectors to warn of hail weather in advance and conduct weather modification to check the growth of hails. The weather radar is an efficient tool to watch and forecast severe convective weather like hails, for it not only detects the structure but also tracks down the generation and evolution of hail-producing clouds to aid in isolating where the hail falls. It is, however, not realistic to perform real-time radar watch in Northwest China and existing radars are not capable of observing thunderstorms. Costing relatively low to purchase and maintain, the lightning locator has wide range of measurement and works nonstop without human attendance, making it easier to watch large-scale convective clouds in the region. With hails, heavy rains and tornadoes isolated and warned of based on features captured by the locator, operations of weather modification can be made more efficient with further identification from radar echoes and observed facts of electric mechanisms can be better understood for convective weather.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Lightning Activity in the Pan-Pearl River Delta

Based on the lightning data acquired by a lightning imaging sensor(LIS)carried on the TRMM satellite from 1998 to 2013,the spatial distribution,seasonal,monthly,and diurnal characteristics of lightning activity in the Pan-Pearl River Delta were analyzed.The results show that in the Pan-Pearl River Delta,lightning activity was more in the south and less in the north.Near 23°N,lightning density was high from Guangdong and Guangxi to the southern edge of Yunnan.Lightning density weakened continuously as the latitude increased.Among the provinces in the Pan-Pearl River Delta,the maximum and average of lightning density in Hainan Province was greater than that of other provinces.Besides,the lightning activity showed obvious seasonal changes.In the whole year,lightning activity was the weakest in November and next February.Lightning activity in most areas of the Pan-Pearl River Delta was the strongest in August.The peak of lightning activity in most areas of the Pan-Pearl River Delta occurred from 12:00 to 20:00.Lightning activity was the weakest between 07:00 and 10:00 in most areas.

Statistical Analysis on Lightning Characteristics in Hebei Province

By using monitoring data of lightning locating system in Hebei during 1999- 2010 and lightning disaster data in Hebei during 2002- 2010,temporal-spatial distribution characteristics of ground flash and lightning disaster in Hebei Province were analyzed. Annual,monthly and daily changes of ground flash,lightning current intensity and ground flash density in Hebei were analyzed,and we compared ground flash with lightning disaster distribution.

Discussion on Common Problems in Risk Assessment of Lightning Disaster

The problems in calculating parameters of equivalent collection area,earth resistivity and lightning protection category as well as their effects on lightning disaster risk assessment were analyzed,and practical examples proved the effects of those differences on lightning protection identification,intercept efficiency calculation in evaluating lightning disaster risk. In the meantime,several new concepts,such as the height of buildings for lightning protection were defined,and a fixed radius value was set to the ground flash density for calculation,establishing the ground flash density formula to solve the problems in parameter calculation,which would be beneficial to promote the standardization of lightning disaster risk assessment.