Cloud-to-ground lightning observations in Brazil

Abstract

A comprehensive review of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning observations in Brazil is presented. Brazil is the largest country in the tropical region and it is believed to have the largest cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activity in the world, estimated from thunderstorm days and satellite data in about 50 millions CG lightning flashes every year. Emphasis is given to recent observations made by lightning location systems and high-speed cameras in the Southeast region of the country. At the present time, they correspond to the largest CG lightning data set available for the tropics. Some specific parameters emerging from these observations are quantified. The observations are compared with similar ones made in other tropical and temperate countries, as well as with past observations obtained by other techniques in Brazil. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.