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Origins of positive cloud‐to‐ground lightning flashes in the stratiform region of a mesoscale convective system
Author(s) -
Lang Timothy J.,
Rutledge Steven A.,
Wiens Kyle C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2004gl019823
Subject(s) - mesoscale meteorology , lightning (connector) , geology , lightning detection , storm , mesoscale convective system , convection , squall line , meteorology , convective storm detection , convection cell , line (geometry) , thunderstorm , atmospheric sciences , geophysics , climatology , physics , geometry , power (physics) , oceanography , natural convection , mathematics , quantum mechanics , combined forced and natural convection
The origins of positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) lightning in the stratiform region of a leading‐line, trailing‐stratiform mesoscale convective system (MCS) are investigated. Platforms include radars, NLDN data, and a VHF 3‐D lightning mapping system. This study examines a small asymmetric MCS that occurred near the Colorado‐Kansas border in June 2000. In this storm 39 of the 269 +CGs produced over a nearly 5‐hour period came to ground within the stratiform region. Of these, 30 initiated in the leading convective line and propagated rearward before coming to ground. Nine other +CGs originated within the stratiform region. Stratiform +CGs were observed to propagate mostly horizontally through vertically thin layers. The observations suggest that stratiform charge is a conduit for +CG lightning from the convective line, and can initiate +CGs as well.