Modelling and observations of thundercloud electrification and lightning

Katherine Miller, Alan Gadian, Clive Saunders, John Latham, Hugh Christian

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    A two-dimensional lightning frequency model was applied to two case studies of thunderclouds: 9th July 1981, the CCOPE case, and 19th July 1991, the CaPE case. Factors influencing lightning activity were discussed. Although there was a strong link between updraft and lightning frequency, the relationship was not distinct; the initial environmental conditions, the updraft speed and more significantly the graupel number concentration were shown to have a large effect. The model computations suggested the importance of the 2-mm diameter graupel particles. No definite relationship between lightning frequency and cloud ice content could be established in this study. The results demonstrated the limitations of the current charge transfer parameterisation scheme used, with a more detailed structure being required. However, the model was capable of reproducing a realistic cloud structure and lightning activity using a relatively simple dynamical framework. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)89-115
    Number of pages26
    JournalAtmospheric Research
    Volume58
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2001

    Keywords

    • Lightning
    • Modelling
    • Observations
    • Thundercloud electrification

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