LEMP from Lightning Discharges Observed by JLDN

Abstract

JLDN (Japanese Lightning Detection Network) is a large-scale lightning location system, which covers from Hokkaido to Southwest Islands of Japan. It observes LEMP (lightning electromagnetic impulse) in the frequency ranges from VLF to LF, and estimates location and current amplitudes of lighting return strokes. The present study evaluates its ability to discriminate LEMP from return-strokes by comparing its output with the observation of a fast-antenna network constructed on Fukui Plain. It turns out that about 90% of the sources of LEMP, interpreted by JLDN as positive return strokes in the 10kA range in summer, are not cloud-to-ground strokes but in-cloud discharges. The number of termination points on ground produced by negative cloud-to-ground strokes in summer is about 1.3 to 1.4 times of the number of negative flashes observed by JLDN. © 2005, The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. All rights reserved.