Electric field and charge structure in lightning-producing clouds

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of typical charge structures observed with balloons inside mesoscale convective systems, supercells, and New Mexico mountain storms. Typical maximum electric field magnitudes, along with several extreme field values observed near lightning initiations, are presented in comparison to the theoretical values that are thought to be required for lightning initiation at various altitudes within active storms. The chapter emphasizes the physical effects that the electrical structure has on lightning initiation, lightning propagation, and lightning type, including a detailed discussion of the controlling effect that the electric potential has on the altitude of horizontal lightning channels and the existence or absence of preliminary breakdown. Some indications of the countereffects of lightning on electrical structures, particularly through deposition of charge and increased complexity of the charge structure are also described. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.