In this study,we examine the dynamics and microphysical structures of a deep compact thunderstorm event driving cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning over the Nanjing area located within the Yangtze-Huai River Basin(YHRB)durin...In this study,we examine the dynamics and microphysical structures of a deep compact thunderstorm event driving cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning over the Nanjing area located within the Yangtze-Huai River Basin(YHRB)during the monsoon break period.The microphysical structures combined with the dynamics in the glaciated,mixed-phase,and warm-phase layers during the formative,intensifying,and mature stages of the thunderstorm were first investigated using C-band polarimetric radar and CG lightning observations.The results show that the mature phase of the thunderstorm produced a local cold pool,which collided with a southerly warm wind,resulting in a strong updraft.The strong updraft favored the lifting of raindrops to the mixed-phase region to form abundant supercooled liquid water and graupel.From the formative stage to the developing stage and further to the mature stage,increased ZH-and reduced ZDR-values within the mixed-phase region are found,especially within the strong updraft region(>5 m s^(-1)).This phenomenon suggests that supercooled raindrops evolved into large hydrometeors(graupel and hail),indicative of a strong riming process.The signatures within this region are consistent with a favorable environment for thunderstorm electrification and generate the most frequent lightning during the thunderstorm life cycle.展开更多
The characteristics of cloud-to-ground(CG) lightning activity with severe thunderstorm wind(STW) in South and North China are analyzed using CG lightning data, radar data, and serious weather reports. The percentage o...The characteristics of cloud-to-ground(CG) lightning activity with severe thunderstorm wind(STW) in South and North China are analyzed using CG lightning data, radar data, and serious weather reports. The percentage of positive CG(PCG) flashes with STW in North China is larger than that in South China. STW takes place during the period when the total CG and PCG density is increasing fastest. STW also occurs close to the high-value center of CG and PCG density. In North China, the CG and PCG density in the grid of STW maximizes approximately 20 minutes after the STW occurs; while in South China, the PCG density and percentage of PCG in the grid of STW maximizes about 10 minutes before the occurrence of STW. The high-value centers of CG density and PCG density in North China move slightly faster than those in South China, which is opposite to the rate of increasing CG activity.展开更多
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 ...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).展开更多
The lightning very high frequency （VHF） radiation location system based on the short-baseline time-difference of arrival （TDOA） technique provides an effective approach to describe the temporal and spatial develop...The lightning very high frequency （VHF） radiation location system based on the short-baseline time-difference of arrival （TDOA） technique provides an effective approach to describe the temporal and spatial development of lightning discharge in two dimensions with high resolution. A negative single-stroke cloud-to- ground （CG） lightning flash was analyzed in detail using the radiation location results and synchronic fast/slow elec- tric field changes. The long-duration preliminary break- down process appeared to propagate with hi-directional leader channels. The two negative simultaneous discharge channels sloped down with a considerable horizontal com- ponent in the lower positive charge region at speeds of about 105 m s-1. The stepped leader was clearly converted from one channel of the preliminary breakdown process and spread downwards with branches. The speeds of the stepped leaders were about 105 m s -1. The K processes after the return stroke could either directly initiate from the start region with negative polarity lightning discharge, or initiate from a new region in the cloud as negative recoil streamers. All K processes propagated along the preceding electrified channel, while not all K processes initiated from the tips of positive breakdowns. The speeds of the K processes were about 106-107 m s-1.展开更多
Based on lightning location data in Chongqing region during 1999-2008,the frequency of lightning in various amplitude ranges and its annual variations were analyzed firstly.Afterwards,with the aid of matlab mathematic...Based on lightning location data in Chongqing region during 1999-2008,the frequency of lightning in various amplitude ranges and its annual variations were analyzed firstly.Afterwards,with the aid of matlab mathematical software,the distribution of the lightning location data was fitted using logarithmic normal distribution function.The results showed that after data of cloud-to-ground lightning with current amplitude from-5 to5 kA were deleted from lightning location data,the statistical characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning could be reflected well.Meanwhile,lightning with current amplitude from-5 to 5 kA accounted for 1.05%（less than 2%）,which accorded with the detection principle of lightning position indicator（there existed error detection）.Therefore,cloud-to-ground lightning with current amplitude of-5-5 kA in lightning location data of Chongqing region was defined as small amplitude of cloud-to-ground lightning,which could provide scientific references for the processing of lightning location data in Chongqing region as well as analysis and quality control of lightning location data in other regions.展开更多
Based on cloud-to-ground lightning data of lightning location system,Doppler radar data,and precipitation data of regional automatic weather stations,the characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning during a local rai...Based on cloud-to-ground lightning data of lightning location system,Doppler radar data,and precipitation data of regional automatic weather stations,the characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning during a local rainstorm on June 4,2016 in Meizhou City were analyzed. The results showed that the spatial distribution of cloud-to-ground lightning from 14： 00 to 20： 00 on June 4,2016 in Meizhou City had obvious local characteristics,and the proportion of negative lightning was larger than that of positive lightning（ only 16. 8%）. The concentration period of positive lightning coincided with that of cloud-to-ground lightning. The peak of proportion of positive lightning lagged behind the peak of cloud-to-ground lightning,and appeared in the late period of thunderstorm disappearance. The dense area of cloud-to-ground lightning and the area with heavy rainfall coincided with the area with strong radar echoes. Doppler weather radar data had the feature of the headwind zone,strong combined reflectivity,vertical height of strong echoes,high echo top,and fast radial movement. The peak of cloud-to-ground lightning appeared one hour earlier than that of precipitation. There was no significant correlation between the frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning and precipitation. The peak of negative lightning corresponded to that of positive lightning,and cloud-to-ground lightning ended earlier than rainfall. After the peak of precipitation,convective system rapidly weakened and disappeared. Precipitation and the frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning fluctuated frequently during the whole process. The jumps and peaks of negative lightning were indicative of rainfall changes.展开更多
Cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning data and the ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset are analyzed to gain insight into the spatiotemporal distribution and synoptic background of winter-season CG flashes between December 201...Cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning data and the ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset are analyzed to gain insight into the spatiotemporal distribution and synoptic background of winter-season CG flashes between December 2010 and February 2020 in China.We identify three Winter Lightning Frequent Areas(WLAs):the southwest side of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau(WLA1),the east side of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau(WLA2),and the Poyang Lake Plain(WLA3).The CG lightning flashes most frequently occur at local midnight and have a monthly peak in February.The CG lightning in WLA1 is mostly generated in non-frontal weather;however,the lightning in WLA2 and WLA3 mostly occurs in frontal systems.The frontal circulation situation is divided into four typical types:transversal trough after high pressure,low vortex,confrontational convergence,and asymptotic convergence.In all typical weather patterns,the lightning occurs downstream of a 500 hPa trough and is accompanied by a southwesterly low-level jet.The convective parameters of winter thunderstorms differ greatly from those of summer thunderstorms.The maximum convective available potential energy(MCAPE)and K-index(KI)are more useful metrics than convective available potential energy(CAPE)and Showalter index(SI)during winter.This study further deepens the understanding of the distribution characteristics of winter CG lightning in China,which motivates further research to improve the ability of winter thunderstorm prediction.展开更多
Based on the monitoring data of cloud-to-ground( CG) lightning positioning network and Doppler weather radar as well as MICAPS1°× 1° objective analysis field,a squall line process outside of the subtrop...Based on the monitoring data of cloud-to-ground( CG) lightning positioning network and Doppler weather radar as well as MICAPS1°× 1° objective analysis field,a squall line process outside of the subtropical high in low-latitude plateau on May 7,2010 was analyzed. The results showed that wind direction shear between low and high levels and low-level convergence zones provided favorable circulation background for the strong thunderstorm process,while high energy and high humidity,strong thermal instability and ascending motion at low and middle levels offered beneficial environmental conditions for the formation of the thunderstorm. 9 620 return strokes of cloud-to-ground lightning were monitored by the lightning positioning network,and cloud-to-ground lightning was distributed like bands between 584 and 586 hP a. The occurrence of cloud-to-ground lightning was mainly related to echo top and echo intensity at-10 ℃ stratification height,and it mainly appeared in zones where echo top height was larger than 13 km and echo intensity at-10 ℃ stratification height was 35-40 dB Z. Wind convergence and maintaining of high radial velocity were favorable for the development of convective echoes and occurrence of cloud-to-ground lightning.展开更多
Xinjiang, China is affected by geographical terrain and other factors, and is prone to lightning disasters. In order to effectively carry out lightning protection and disaster reduction work and improve defense capabi...Xinjiang, China is affected by geographical terrain and other factors, and is prone to lightning disasters. In order to effectively carry out lightning protection and disaster reduction work and improve defense capabilities, based on the data of lightning location monitoring in Xinjiang in 2017 and the statistics reports of the lightning disasters from 2015 to 2017, the characteristics of the cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activities and disasters in Xinjiang were statistically analyzed. The results show that the CG lightning in Xinjiang is mainly the negative one, accounting for 79.7% of the total lightning. In 2017, the distribution of positive, negative and total the CG lightning months mainly focuses on June to August, and the main occurrence period is from 14 to 23 hours. The intensity of total the CG lightning and negative the CG lightning mainly distributes from 20 to 40 kA, and the peak value appears in 30 kA. The CG lightning intensity is mainly distributed in 30 - 70 kA. The distribution of the CG lightning density in Xinjiang is larger in the north than in the south and larger in the west than in the east. Lightning disasters mainly occur from May to August, accounting for 93.2 percent of the total, with the largest number in June. From 2005 to 2017, 44.6% of lightning accidents occurred in farming and pastoral areas, followed by civil electronic equipment damage. In addition, electrical equipment, buildings and factory equipment are damaged by lightning strikes to varying degrees.展开更多
Currently,the number of lightning casualties and casualty rates have significantly reduced in developed countries,but there has been no significant reduction in developing countries.On the one hand,this is due to the ...Currently,the number of lightning casualties and casualty rates have significantly reduced in developed countries,but there has been no significant reduction in developing countries.On the one hand,this is due to the high frequency of lightning;on the other hand,the vulnerability of people in developing countries is also an influencing factor.Through case analysis and summary,this paper expounds on lightning injury s mechanism and clinical manifestations.It points out that lightning injury is mainly related to heart problems and the impact on the nervous system,rather than burns,which usually cause fewer consequences.Medical treatment needs to pay attention to the order and principles of treatment.Implementing CPR and auxiliary AED is the most effective way to save lives.Attention should be paid to the practical and effective treatment and nursing of lightning stroke sequelae.Finally,combined with the situation of lightning casualties in China,the existing problems are put forward during the process of early treatment,post-hospital treatment,and nursing observation,which provides an objective basis for the cognition of the scientific nature of the lightning injury.展开更多
This study utilizes data from a 3D lightning location system,polarimetric radar,and current measurements from channels of triggered lightning flashes(TLFs)to analyze the structural characteristics of the parent thunde...This study utilizes data from a 3D lightning location system,polarimetric radar,and current measurements from channels of triggered lightning flashes(TLFs)to analyze the structural characteristics of the parent thunderstorms associated with negative TLFs in South China.The triggered-flash region(TFR)displays distinct stratiform cloud characteristics,including lower radar reflectivity heights and a predominance of ice crystals and dry snow above the 0℃ layer.In contrast,the thunderstorm convection core region(CCR)tends to have more graupel particles in the mixed-phase layers and exhibits an ice-water content peak approximately 3.4 times that of the TFR.The charge regions involved in discharges in TFRs exhibit a dipolar charge structure,with the-5℃ layer roughly dividing the upper positive and lower negative charge regions.Conversely,the CCRs feature a typical tripolar charge structure.The dominant dipole charge structure in the TFR results in an increase in the negative charge field below the negative charge region with height,providing a necessary condition for successfully triggering negative TLFs.Furthermore,the horizontal extent of TLFs is positively correlated with their duration and charge transfer.Regions where TLF channels with larger charge transfers propagate tend to have greater maximum radar reflectivity but lower average radar reflectivity compared to regions with TLFs with smaller charge transfer.展开更多
Based on the site investigation of a lightning stroke accident in a coal mine in Weiyuan County during a strong thunderstorm process on the night of August 10,2024,combined with the investigation data of the accident ...Based on the site investigation of a lightning stroke accident in a coal mine in Weiyuan County during a strong thunderstorm process on the night of August 10,2024,combined with the investigation data of the accident site,the causes of the lightning stroke accident were analyzed,and the corresponding rectification suggestions were put forward.展开更多
Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the un...Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the unique characteristics of a tree contribute to its ability to survive a lightning strike?展开更多
The protection effectiveness of traditional Lightning Strike Protection(LSP)for composite rotor blade of helicopter can be diminished due to the explosion risk in overlapping attachment under lightning strike,so a new...The protection effectiveness of traditional Lightning Strike Protection(LSP)for composite rotor blade of helicopter can be diminished due to the explosion risk in overlapping attachment under lightning strike,so a new protection method based on Air Breakdown and insulating adhesive layer(AB-LSP method)was designed to avoid it.In this study,a numerical method was developed to simulate the electrical breakdown,and verified by experiment results.Based on this method,a Finite Element Model(FEM)was established to investigate the effect of two factors(breakdown strength and initial ablation temperature of adhesive layer)on the LSP effectiveness.The results show that the breakdown strength impacts more to the ablation damage in composite than that of high-temperature resistance.Then,another FEM was established to predict the ablation damage by lightning strike in the AB-LSP method protected composite rotor blade.The mechanisms and potential key parameters(magnitude of lightning current,discharge channel location,adhesive layer thickness,and air gap width)that could affect the protection effectiveness were analyzed.The introduction of air breakdown changes the current conduction path and reduces explosion risk.After rational design,this method can offer effective lightning protection for composite helicopter rotor blade and other composite structures.展开更多
The Van Allen radiation belts are doughnut-shaped zones surrounding Earth, filled with highly energetic charged particles whose sources or loss mechanisms have been investigated for decades. As for the inner belt, cos...The Van Allen radiation belts are doughnut-shaped zones surrounding Earth, filled with highly energetic charged particles whose sources or loss mechanisms have been investigated for decades. As for the inner belt, cosmic ray albedo neutron decay(CRAND),radial diffusion, and local acceleration have been considered principal sources of electrons, whereas protons are predominantly from CRAND and solar protons. In this article, lightning-induced neutrons from Earth's upper atmosphere are suggested as a possible source of protons and electrons in the inner radiation belt. These terrestrial neutrons can contribute to the inner belt population by undergoing nuclear decay. Several approaches are proposed and discussed to evaluate the potential contribution of lightning-induced neutrons to the inner belt, including magnitude estimation, Monte Carlo simulations, and in situ observations. This article discusses some avenues of further study to determine the contribution of lightning-induced neutrons to the inner radiation belt.展开更多
In the past,the lightning strike risk assessment of wind farms mainly referred to the Lightning Protection Part 2:Risk Management(IEC 62305-2-2010)and the Lightning Protection of Wind Energy System(IEC 61400-24-2019)b...In the past,the lightning strike risk assessment of wind farms mainly referred to the Lightning Protection Part 2:Risk Management(IEC 62305-2-2010)and the Lightning Protection of Wind Energy System(IEC 61400-24-2019)based on protection angle method.In fact,the basic idea of the two is the same,that is,the source of the lightning fan is replaced by S1-S4 of the former lightning building with the latter ND-NDJ.According to the above method of wind farm evaluation,it has been proved that the practice can not achieve good results.Taking offshore wind farm as an example,this paper introduces a new method of establishing six evaluation indicators to determine the risk level according to the new technology and compliance principle of regional lightning protection(semi-circular method),which can be used for reference by wind farm technicians.展开更多
A comparative analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of rainfall and lightning in coastal and inland areas of Guangdong Province of China during the pre-summer rainy season(PSRS)from 2008 to 2017 ...A comparative analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of rainfall and lightning in coastal and inland areas of Guangdong Province of China during the pre-summer rainy season(PSRS)from 2008 to 2017 reveals distinct patterns.In the inland target region(ITR),rainfall is concentrated in the central and eastern mountainous areas.It exhibits a bimodal diurnal variation,with peaks in the afternoon and morning.The afternoon peak becomes more pronounced during the post-monsoon-onset period because of the increased rainfall frequency.Similarly,in the coastal target region(CTR),rainfall concentrates around mountainous peripheries.However,CTR’s rainfall is weaker than ITR’s during the pre-monsoon-onset period,primarily associated with the lower-level moisture outflow in CTR,but it strengthens significantly during the post-monsoon-onset period owing to enhanced moisture inflow.CTR’s diurnal rainfall variation transitions from bimodal to a single broad peak during the post-monsoon-onset period,influenced by changes in both rainfall frequency and intensity.In contrast to rainfall,the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning centers remains relatively stable during the PSRS.The strongest center is located over ITR’s plains west of the rainfall center,with a secondary center in the western plains of CTR.Lightning activity significantly increases during the post-monsoon-onset period,particularly in ITR,primarily because of the increased lightning hours.The diurnal lightning flash density and lightning hours show a single afternoon peak in the two target regions,and the timing of the peak in ITR is approximately two hours later than in CTR.Composite circulation analysis indicates that during early morning,the lower atmosphere is nearly neutral in stratification.The advected warm,moist,unstable airflow,combined with topography,favors convection initiation.In the afternoon,solar radiation increases thermal instability,further enhancing the convection frequency and intensity.Improved moisture and thermal conditions contribute to an increase in rainfall and lightning during the post-monsoon-onset period.Moreover,the occurrence of lightning is found to be closely linked to the most unstable convective available potential energy,low-level vertical wind shear,and updraft intensity.展开更多
Using 2 high-speed cameras, we have recorded 14 negative cloud-to-ground （CG） lightning flashes, half of which are natural and the others are artificially triggered. The two-dimensional （2D） propagation speed of d...Using 2 high-speed cameras, we have recorded 14 negative cloud-to-ground （CG） lightning flashes, half of which are natural and the others are artificially triggered. The two-dimensional （2D） propagation speed of different type leaders and the luminosity of lightning channel are analyzed in detail. Bidirectional leader processes are observed during the initial processes of two altitude triggered negative lightning （ATNL） flashes. The analysis shows： the propagation speed of the upward positive leader （UPL） before the initiation of the downward negative leader （DNL） is at the order of 10^4-10^5 m s-1; the UPL can be intensified by the initiation and development of the DNL in the way that the luminosity is enhanced and the speed is sped up; after initiation, the DNL in one ATNL flash propagates downward three times intermittently with interval of about 1 ms, while that in the other ATNL flash propagates downward continuously with a speed at the order of 10^5 m s^-1. In the five classical triggered negative lightning （CTNL） flashes, the propagation speeds of the UPLs vary between 0.35×10^5 and 7.71×10^5 m s-1, and the variations of their luminosities and speeds are quite complex during the development processes. Among the four observed natural negative lightning flashes occurred on the land, three have only one return stoke （RS） each and all of their DNLs have many branches with an average speed at the order of 10^5 m s-l; while the another one has 13 RSs. In the CG flash with 13 RSs, the DNL before the first RS has no obvious branch below 1.4 km above the ground, and its speed ranges from 2.2×10^5 to 2.3×10^6 m s-1 between the heights of 0.7 and 1.4 km and exceeds 3.9×10^6 m s-1 below 0.7 km; preceding the 4th RS, an attempted leader is observed with a speed ranging from 1.1× 10^5 to 1.1×10^6 m s-1 between 0.8 and 1.5 km. As for the three observed natural negative lightning flashes occurred on the sea, each has only one RS, and each DNL preceding the RS has a few branches, two of which have an average propagation speed at the order of 10^5 m s-1, and the other of 10^6 m s-1, respectively. All the DNLs contained in the observed natural negative lightning flashes, except the attempted leader, propagate with gradually increasing luminosity and increasing speed in whole.展开更多
The research indicates that there is a positive correlation between the negative CG flash rate and the area of radar echo with its reflectivity being equal to or greater than 30 dBz in the mesoscale convective system ...The research indicates that there is a positive correlation between the negative CG flash rate and the area of radar echo with its reflectivity being equal to or greater than 30 dBz in the mesoscale convective system in Beijing area.A max- imum of the positive CG flash rate exists at both the initial and the dissipating stages.The CG flashes are usually located near but not within the high reflectivity center.The negative flashes are associated with.the positions of the updraft re- gion,and with the regions of wind convergence and wind shear.Generally,the negative CG flashes are concentrative and the positive ones are dispersive.展开更多
The region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei is covered by two different lightning detection networks： SAFIR （Systeme d＇Alerte Fondre par Interferometrie Radioelecctrique） for total lightning, including IntraCloud （IC） f...The region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei is covered by two different lightning detection networks： SAFIR （Systeme d＇Alerte Fondre par Interferometrie Radioelecctrique） for total lightning, including IntraCloud （IC） flashes and Cloud-to-Ground （CG） flashes, and the ADTD （ADvanced TOA and Direction system; TOA denotes time of arrival） network of China for CG lightning. Fourteen isolated hail-bearing thunderstorms in this region were examined in this study, using the data of SAFIR and ADTD. The peak of lightning frequency, for both total lightning and CG lightning, was often observed in advance of the occurrence of hailstones on the ground, with a trend of a rapid increase of lightning frequency before the hail was reported. The average lead times of the two types of lightning jump before hail events were obtained （total lightning： 32.2 min; CG： 25.4 min） through the 2a lightning jump algorithm. Additionally, in hailstorms with a high ratio of positive CG flashes, the diameter of hail was larger and the duration of hail was longer; when negative CG flashes dominated, the diameter of hail was relatively small. The comparison of the characteristics of total lightning and CG flashes in hailstorms in this study is expected to serve as a supplementary tool for hail forecasting.展开更多
基金primarily supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.42025501,41805025,42175005,and 61827901)the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC3003905)+5 种基金the National Key Laboratory on Electromagnetic Environmental Effects and Electro-optical Engineering(NO.JCKYS61422062101)the Meteorological Union Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U2142203)the Foundation of Jiangsu Provincial Meteorological Bureau(KM202308)The Open Grants of China Meteorological Administration Radar Meteorology Key Laboratory(2023LRMB04)S&T Development Fund of NJIAS(KJF202307)the Open Research Program of the State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather(2022LASW-A01)。
文摘In this study,we examine the dynamics and microphysical structures of a deep compact thunderstorm event driving cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning over the Nanjing area located within the Yangtze-Huai River Basin(YHRB)during the monsoon break period.The microphysical structures combined with the dynamics in the glaciated,mixed-phase,and warm-phase layers during the formative,intensifying,and mature stages of the thunderstorm were first investigated using C-band polarimetric radar and CG lightning observations.The results show that the mature phase of the thunderstorm produced a local cold pool,which collided with a southerly warm wind,resulting in a strong updraft.The strong updraft favored the lifting of raindrops to the mixed-phase region to form abundant supercooled liquid water and graupel.From the formative stage to the developing stage and further to the mature stage,increased ZH-and reduced ZDR-values within the mixed-phase region are found,especially within the strong updraft region(>5 m s^(-1)).This phenomenon suggests that supercooled raindrops evolved into large hydrometeors(graupel and hail),indicative of a strong riming process.The signatures within this region are consistent with a favorable environment for thunderstorm electrification and generate the most frequent lightning during the thunderstorm life cycle.
基金supported by the China Meteorological Administration (Grant No. GYHY201406002)the Key Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. 2013CB430100)
文摘The characteristics of cloud-to-ground(CG) lightning activity with severe thunderstorm wind(STW) in South and North China are analyzed using CG lightning data, radar data, and serious weather reports. The percentage of positive CG(PCG) flashes with STW in North China is larger than that in South China. STW takes place during the period when the total CG and PCG density is increasing fastest. STW also occurs close to the high-value center of CG and PCG density. In North China, the CG and PCG density in the grid of STW maximizes approximately 20 minutes after the STW occurs; while in South China, the PCG density and percentage of PCG in the grid of STW maximizes about 10 minutes before the occurrence of STW. The high-value centers of CG density and PCG density in North China move slightly faster than those in South China, which is opposite to the rate of increasing CG activity.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 91537209 and 91644224)
文摘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).
基金supported by the Instrument Developing Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.YZ201206)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.40930949 and 41175002)National Science and Technology Support Project (Grant No.2008BAC36B03)
文摘The lightning very high frequency （VHF） radiation location system based on the short-baseline time-difference of arrival （TDOA） technique provides an effective approach to describe the temporal and spatial development of lightning discharge in two dimensions with high resolution. A negative single-stroke cloud-to- ground （CG） lightning flash was analyzed in detail using the radiation location results and synchronic fast/slow elec- tric field changes. The long-duration preliminary break- down process appeared to propagate with hi-directional leader channels. The two negative simultaneous discharge channels sloped down with a considerable horizontal com- ponent in the lower positive charge region at speeds of about 105 m s-1. The stepped leader was clearly converted from one channel of the preliminary breakdown process and spread downwards with branches. The speeds of the stepped leaders were about 105 m s -1. The K processes after the return stroke could either directly initiate from the start region with negative polarity lightning discharge, or initiate from a new region in the cloud as negative recoil streamers. All K processes propagated along the preceding electrified channel, while not all K processes initiated from the tips of positive breakdowns. The speeds of the K processes were about 106-107 m s-1.
文摘Based on lightning location data in Chongqing region during 1999-2008,the frequency of lightning in various amplitude ranges and its annual variations were analyzed firstly.Afterwards,with the aid of matlab mathematical software,the distribution of the lightning location data was fitted using logarithmic normal distribution function.The results showed that after data of cloud-to-ground lightning with current amplitude from-5 to5 kA were deleted from lightning location data,the statistical characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning could be reflected well.Meanwhile,lightning with current amplitude from-5 to 5 kA accounted for 1.05%（less than 2%）,which accorded with the detection principle of lightning position indicator（there existed error detection）.Therefore,cloud-to-ground lightning with current amplitude of-5-5 kA in lightning location data of Chongqing region was defined as small amplitude of cloud-to-ground lightning,which could provide scientific references for the processing of lightning location data in Chongqing region as well as analysis and quality control of lightning location data in other regions.
基金Supported by Science and Technology Plan Project of Meizhou City(2016B204)
文摘Based on cloud-to-ground lightning data of lightning location system,Doppler radar data,and precipitation data of regional automatic weather stations,the characteristics of cloud-to-ground lightning during a local rainstorm on June 4,2016 in Meizhou City were analyzed. The results showed that the spatial distribution of cloud-to-ground lightning from 14： 00 to 20： 00 on June 4,2016 in Meizhou City had obvious local characteristics,and the proportion of negative lightning was larger than that of positive lightning（ only 16. 8%）. The concentration period of positive lightning coincided with that of cloud-to-ground lightning. The peak of proportion of positive lightning lagged behind the peak of cloud-to-ground lightning,and appeared in the late period of thunderstorm disappearance. The dense area of cloud-to-ground lightning and the area with heavy rainfall coincided with the area with strong radar echoes. Doppler weather radar data had the feature of the headwind zone,strong combined reflectivity,vertical height of strong echoes,high echo top,and fast radial movement. The peak of cloud-to-ground lightning appeared one hour earlier than that of precipitation. There was no significant correlation between the frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning and precipitation. The peak of negative lightning corresponded to that of positive lightning,and cloud-to-ground lightning ended earlier than rainfall. After the peak of precipitation,convective system rapidly weakened and disappeared. Precipitation and the frequency of cloud-to-ground lightning fluctuated frequently during the whole process. The jumps and peaks of negative lightning were indicative of rainfall changes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42075010)the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2018YFC1507304,2018YFC1507402)。
文摘Cloud-to-ground(CG)lightning data and the ECMWF ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset are analyzed to gain insight into the spatiotemporal distribution and synoptic background of winter-season CG flashes between December 2010 and February 2020 in China.We identify three Winter Lightning Frequent Areas(WLAs):the southwest side of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau(WLA1),the east side of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau(WLA2),and the Poyang Lake Plain(WLA3).The CG lightning flashes most frequently occur at local midnight and have a monthly peak in February.The CG lightning in WLA1 is mostly generated in non-frontal weather;however,the lightning in WLA2 and WLA3 mostly occurs in frontal systems.The frontal circulation situation is divided into four typical types:transversal trough after high pressure,low vortex,confrontational convergence,and asymptotic convergence.In all typical weather patterns,the lightning occurs downstream of a 500 hPa trough and is accompanied by a southwesterly low-level jet.The convective parameters of winter thunderstorms differ greatly from those of summer thunderstorms.The maximum convective available potential energy(MCAPE)and K-index(KI)are more useful metrics than convective available potential energy(CAPE)and Showalter index(SI)during winter.This study further deepens the understanding of the distribution characteristics of winter CG lightning in China,which motivates further research to improve the ability of winter thunderstorm prediction.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41305002)Science and Technology Project of Yunnan Province(No.2014RA002,2016RA096)
文摘Based on the monitoring data of cloud-to-ground( CG) lightning positioning network and Doppler weather radar as well as MICAPS1°× 1° objective analysis field,a squall line process outside of the subtropical high in low-latitude plateau on May 7,2010 was analyzed. The results showed that wind direction shear between low and high levels and low-level convergence zones provided favorable circulation background for the strong thunderstorm process,while high energy and high humidity,strong thermal instability and ascending motion at low and middle levels offered beneficial environmental conditions for the formation of the thunderstorm. 9 620 return strokes of cloud-to-ground lightning were monitored by the lightning positioning network,and cloud-to-ground lightning was distributed like bands between 584 and 586 hP a. The occurrence of cloud-to-ground lightning was mainly related to echo top and echo intensity at-10 ℃ stratification height,and it mainly appeared in zones where echo top height was larger than 13 km and echo intensity at-10 ℃ stratification height was 35-40 dB Z. Wind convergence and maintaining of high radial velocity were favorable for the development of convective echoes and occurrence of cloud-to-ground lightning.
文摘Xinjiang, China is affected by geographical terrain and other factors, and is prone to lightning disasters. In order to effectively carry out lightning protection and disaster reduction work and improve defense capabilities, based on the data of lightning location monitoring in Xinjiang in 2017 and the statistics reports of the lightning disasters from 2015 to 2017, the characteristics of the cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activities and disasters in Xinjiang were statistically analyzed. The results show that the CG lightning in Xinjiang is mainly the negative one, accounting for 79.7% of the total lightning. In 2017, the distribution of positive, negative and total the CG lightning months mainly focuses on June to August, and the main occurrence period is from 14 to 23 hours. The intensity of total the CG lightning and negative the CG lightning mainly distributes from 20 to 40 kA, and the peak value appears in 30 kA. The CG lightning intensity is mainly distributed in 30 - 70 kA. The distribution of the CG lightning density in Xinjiang is larger in the north than in the south and larger in the west than in the east. Lightning disasters mainly occur from May to August, accounting for 93.2 percent of the total, with the largest number in June. From 2005 to 2017, 44.6% of lightning accidents occurred in farming and pastoral areas, followed by civil electronic equipment damage. In addition, electrical equipment, buildings and factory equipment are damaged by lightning strikes to varying degrees.
文摘Currently,the number of lightning casualties and casualty rates have significantly reduced in developed countries,but there has been no significant reduction in developing countries.On the one hand,this is due to the high frequency of lightning;on the other hand,the vulnerability of people in developing countries is also an influencing factor.Through case analysis and summary,this paper expounds on lightning injury s mechanism and clinical manifestations.It points out that lightning injury is mainly related to heart problems and the impact on the nervous system,rather than burns,which usually cause fewer consequences.Medical treatment needs to pay attention to the order and principles of treatment.Implementing CPR and auxiliary AED is the most effective way to save lives.Attention should be paid to the practical and effective treatment and nursing of lightning stroke sequelae.Finally,combined with the situation of lightning casualties in China,the existing problems are put forward during the process of early treatment,post-hospital treatment,and nursing observation,which provides an objective basis for the cognition of the scientific nature of the lightning injury.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U2342215)Key Laboratory of South China Sea Meteorological Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Hainan Province(Grant No.SCSF202302)。
文摘This study utilizes data from a 3D lightning location system,polarimetric radar,and current measurements from channels of triggered lightning flashes(TLFs)to analyze the structural characteristics of the parent thunderstorms associated with negative TLFs in South China.The triggered-flash region(TFR)displays distinct stratiform cloud characteristics,including lower radar reflectivity heights and a predominance of ice crystals and dry snow above the 0℃ layer.In contrast,the thunderstorm convection core region(CCR)tends to have more graupel particles in the mixed-phase layers and exhibits an ice-water content peak approximately 3.4 times that of the TFR.The charge regions involved in discharges in TFRs exhibit a dipolar charge structure,with the-5℃ layer roughly dividing the upper positive and lower negative charge regions.Conversely,the CCRs feature a typical tripolar charge structure.The dominant dipole charge structure in the TFR results in an increase in the negative charge field below the negative charge region with height,providing a necessary condition for successfully triggering negative TLFs.Furthermore,the horizontal extent of TLFs is positively correlated with their duration and charge transfer.Regions where TLF channels with larger charge transfers propagate tend to have greater maximum radar reflectivity but lower average radar reflectivity compared to regions with TLFs with smaller charge transfer.
文摘Based on the site investigation of a lightning stroke accident in a coal mine in Weiyuan County during a strong thunderstorm process on the night of August 10,2024,combined with the investigation data of the accident site,the causes of the lightning stroke accident were analyzed,and the corresponding rectification suggestions were put forward.
文摘Activity 1 Think about the following questions and write down your answers before reading the text.1.What are some common factors that usually cause damage to trees when they are struck by lightning?2.How might the unique characteristics of a tree contribute to its ability to survive a lightning strike?
文摘The protection effectiveness of traditional Lightning Strike Protection(LSP)for composite rotor blade of helicopter can be diminished due to the explosion risk in overlapping attachment under lightning strike,so a new protection method based on Air Breakdown and insulating adhesive layer(AB-LSP method)was designed to avoid it.In this study,a numerical method was developed to simulate the electrical breakdown,and verified by experiment results.Based on this method,a Finite Element Model(FEM)was established to investigate the effect of two factors(breakdown strength and initial ablation temperature of adhesive layer)on the LSP effectiveness.The results show that the breakdown strength impacts more to the ablation damage in composite than that of high-temperature resistance.Then,another FEM was established to predict the ablation damage by lightning strike in the AB-LSP method protected composite rotor blade.The mechanisms and potential key parameters(magnitude of lightning current,discharge channel location,adhesive layer thickness,and air gap width)that could affect the protection effectiveness were analyzed.The introduction of air breakdown changes the current conduction path and reduces explosion risk.After rational design,this method can offer effective lightning protection for composite helicopter rotor blade and other composite structures.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 42225405 and No. 42350710200)。
文摘The Van Allen radiation belts are doughnut-shaped zones surrounding Earth, filled with highly energetic charged particles whose sources or loss mechanisms have been investigated for decades. As for the inner belt, cosmic ray albedo neutron decay(CRAND),radial diffusion, and local acceleration have been considered principal sources of electrons, whereas protons are predominantly from CRAND and solar protons. In this article, lightning-induced neutrons from Earth's upper atmosphere are suggested as a possible source of protons and electrons in the inner radiation belt. These terrestrial neutrons can contribute to the inner belt population by undergoing nuclear decay. Several approaches are proposed and discussed to evaluate the potential contribution of lightning-induced neutrons to the inner belt, including magnitude estimation, Monte Carlo simulations, and in situ observations. This article discusses some avenues of further study to determine the contribution of lightning-induced neutrons to the inner radiation belt.
基金Supported by Research on Key Technologies of Lightning Intelligent Protection System for Guangdong Energy Hehe Sea Wind Farm(SFC/QZW-ZX-XF-24-020).
文摘In the past,the lightning strike risk assessment of wind farms mainly referred to the Lightning Protection Part 2:Risk Management(IEC 62305-2-2010)and the Lightning Protection of Wind Energy System(IEC 61400-24-2019)based on protection angle method.In fact,the basic idea of the two is the same,that is,the source of the lightning fan is replaced by S1-S4 of the former lightning building with the latter ND-NDJ.According to the above method of wind farm evaluation,it has been proved that the practice can not achieve good results.Taking offshore wind farm as an example,this paper introduces a new method of establishing six evaluation indicators to determine the risk level according to the new technology and compliance principle of regional lightning protection(semi-circular method),which can be used for reference by wind farm technicians.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(8222079)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC3003903)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(42075083)Basic Research Fund of Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences(2023Z008 and 2023Z001)Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,China(21JR7RA697).
文摘A comparative analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of rainfall and lightning in coastal and inland areas of Guangdong Province of China during the pre-summer rainy season(PSRS)from 2008 to 2017 reveals distinct patterns.In the inland target region(ITR),rainfall is concentrated in the central and eastern mountainous areas.It exhibits a bimodal diurnal variation,with peaks in the afternoon and morning.The afternoon peak becomes more pronounced during the post-monsoon-onset period because of the increased rainfall frequency.Similarly,in the coastal target region(CTR),rainfall concentrates around mountainous peripheries.However,CTR’s rainfall is weaker than ITR’s during the pre-monsoon-onset period,primarily associated with the lower-level moisture outflow in CTR,but it strengthens significantly during the post-monsoon-onset period owing to enhanced moisture inflow.CTR’s diurnal rainfall variation transitions from bimodal to a single broad peak during the post-monsoon-onset period,influenced by changes in both rainfall frequency and intensity.In contrast to rainfall,the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning centers remains relatively stable during the PSRS.The strongest center is located over ITR’s plains west of the rainfall center,with a secondary center in the western plains of CTR.Lightning activity significantly increases during the post-monsoon-onset period,particularly in ITR,primarily because of the increased lightning hours.The diurnal lightning flash density and lightning hours show a single afternoon peak in the two target regions,and the timing of the peak in ITR is approximately two hours later than in CTR.Composite circulation analysis indicates that during early morning,the lower atmosphere is nearly neutral in stratification.The advected warm,moist,unstable airflow,combined with topography,favors convection initiation.In the afternoon,solar radiation increases thermal instability,further enhancing the convection frequency and intensity.Improved moisture and thermal conditions contribute to an increase in rainfall and lightning during the post-monsoon-onset period.Moreover,the occurrence of lightning is found to be closely linked to the most unstable convective available potential energy,low-level vertical wind shear,and updraft intensity.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.40605004the Ministry of Science and Tech.nology of China under Grant Nos.2004DEA71070 and GYHY2007622.
文摘Using 2 high-speed cameras, we have recorded 14 negative cloud-to-ground （CG） lightning flashes, half of which are natural and the others are artificially triggered. The two-dimensional （2D） propagation speed of different type leaders and the luminosity of lightning channel are analyzed in detail. Bidirectional leader processes are observed during the initial processes of two altitude triggered negative lightning （ATNL） flashes. The analysis shows： the propagation speed of the upward positive leader （UPL） before the initiation of the downward negative leader （DNL） is at the order of 10^4-10^5 m s-1; the UPL can be intensified by the initiation and development of the DNL in the way that the luminosity is enhanced and the speed is sped up; after initiation, the DNL in one ATNL flash propagates downward three times intermittently with interval of about 1 ms, while that in the other ATNL flash propagates downward continuously with a speed at the order of 10^5 m s^-1. In the five classical triggered negative lightning （CTNL） flashes, the propagation speeds of the UPLs vary between 0.35×10^5 and 7.71×10^5 m s-1, and the variations of their luminosities and speeds are quite complex during the development processes. Among the four observed natural negative lightning flashes occurred on the land, three have only one return stoke （RS） each and all of their DNLs have many branches with an average speed at the order of 10^5 m s-l; while the another one has 13 RSs. In the CG flash with 13 RSs, the DNL before the first RS has no obvious branch below 1.4 km above the ground, and its speed ranges from 2.2×10^5 to 2.3×10^6 m s-1 between the heights of 0.7 and 1.4 km and exceeds 3.9×10^6 m s-1 below 0.7 km; preceding the 4th RS, an attempted leader is observed with a speed ranging from 1.1× 10^5 to 1.1×10^6 m s-1 between 0.8 and 1.5 km. As for the three observed natural negative lightning flashes occurred on the sea, each has only one RS, and each DNL preceding the RS has a few branches, two of which have an average propagation speed at the order of 10^5 m s-1, and the other of 10^6 m s-1, respectively. All the DNLs contained in the observed natural negative lightning flashes, except the attempted leader, propagate with gradually increasing luminosity and increasing speed in whole.
基金supported by grants from State Planning Commission under Grants No.75-09-02-19
文摘The research indicates that there is a positive correlation between the negative CG flash rate and the area of radar echo with its reflectivity being equal to or greater than 30 dBz in the mesoscale convective system in Beijing area.A max- imum of the positive CG flash rate exists at both the initial and the dissipating stages.The CG flashes are usually located near but not within the high reflectivity center.The negative flashes are associated with.the positions of the updraft re- gion,and with the regions of wind convergence and wind shear.Generally,the negative CG flashes are concentrative and the positive ones are dispersive.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41030960 and 41105122)Project for Integration and Application of Meteorological Key Technology by the China Meteorological Administration (CAMGJ2012M78)National Science and Technology Support Program of China (2008BAC36B04)
文摘The region of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei is covered by two different lightning detection networks： SAFIR （Systeme d＇Alerte Fondre par Interferometrie Radioelecctrique） for total lightning, including IntraCloud （IC） flashes and Cloud-to-Ground （CG） flashes, and the ADTD （ADvanced TOA and Direction system; TOA denotes time of arrival） network of China for CG lightning. Fourteen isolated hail-bearing thunderstorms in this region were examined in this study, using the data of SAFIR and ADTD. The peak of lightning frequency, for both total lightning and CG lightning, was often observed in advance of the occurrence of hailstones on the ground, with a trend of a rapid increase of lightning frequency before the hail was reported. The average lead times of the two types of lightning jump before hail events were obtained （total lightning： 32.2 min; CG： 25.4 min） through the 2a lightning jump algorithm. Additionally, in hailstorms with a high ratio of positive CG flashes, the diameter of hail was larger and the duration of hail was longer; when negative CG flashes dominated, the diameter of hail was relatively small. The comparison of the characteristics of total lightning and CG flashes in hailstorms in this study is expected to serve as a supplementary tool for hail forecasting.
