Lightning and Thunderstorm Studies

New Mexico Institute Of Mining And Technology, Socorro NM

Investigators

Abstract

This project is a study of electrification processes in thunderstorms using observations of the structure and temporal evolution of lightning flashes in different types of storms, including electrically anomalous storms in which the electrification and lightning are of inverted polarity. The flashes are observed using a deployable, GPS-based, three-dimensional mapping system developed under a previous NSF grant. The time of arrival of the same lightning event is measured with great precision at as many of ten stations over a network of approximately 100 km on the side. From this information, the time history of the flash in three dimensions can be inferred with temporal and spatial accuracy that exceeds any observations previously available. The network will be deployed in the summer of 2000 as part of the STEPS program (Severe Thunderstorm Electrification and Precipitation Study) in eastern Kansas. Data will be compared with radar observations of overall storm structure and in-situ measurements of the electric field by aircraft and balloons, to provide a comprehensive description of the electrical characteristics of thunderstorms. Results are expected to be significant not only for understanding electrification processes but also in the use of lightning as an indicator of storm type and intensity.