Abstract
A time-of-arrival (TOA) system based on GPS technology for locating VHF radiation sources from lightning has been developed and used in observation sites in the northern Shandong Province, China. The 3D images of the lightning progression have been obtained successfully for the first time in China. The 3D-channel evolutions of typical negative CG, positive CG and IC lightning flashes have been discussed together with the data of fast electric field change. It was found that significant differences existed between the negative and positive CG lightning flashes in terms of the initiation and propagation of the radiation sources. The preliminary breakdown of a negative CG lightning flash propagated at a speed about 5.2×104 m/s. The stepped leader of negative CG lightning flashes was trigged by negative initial breakdown. Thereafter, it propagated downward at a speed of 1.3×105 m/s. The initial process of the positive CG lightning flashes was also a propagation process of negative streamer. These streamers propagated dominantly horizontally in the positive charge region and accumulated positive charges at the origin of the lightning, and as a consequence, initiated downward positive streamers. A new type of lightning discharge that was triggered by a narrow bipolar pulse (NBP) is discussed in this study. The NBP was originated at altitude of about 10.5 km in the upper positive charge region. As a distinct difference from normal IC flash, its channels extended horizontally all around and produced a lot of radiation sources. The source power of the NBP could approach 16.7 kW, which is much greater than that of normal lightning discharge ranging between 100 mW and 500 W. The 3D propagation of this new type of lightning discharge was observed and obtained for the first time in China. The possible initiation mechanism of this new type of lightning is discussed here.
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Zhang, G., Wang, Y., Qie, X. et al. Using lightning locating system based on time-of-arrival technique to study three-dimensional lightning discharge processes. Sci. China Earth Sci. 53, 591–602 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-009-0116-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11430-009-0116-x