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Channel tortuosity variation in Florida triggered lightning
Author(s) -
Idone Vincent P.,
Orville Richard E.
Publication year - 1988
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/gl015i007p00645
Subject(s) - tortuosity , lightning (connector) , channel (broadcasting) , geology , variation (astronomy) , meteorology , geography , physics , power (physics) , telecommunications , geotechnical engineering , porosity , quantum mechanics , computer science , astrophysics
We present the channel geometries and vertical profiles of tortuosity for five natural lightning flashes and seven triggered flashes photographed in Florida. The tortuosity variation with height was quantified using the tortuosity measurement method of Hill applied over successive 200 m vertical sections. Total channel lengths analyzed were between 1 km and 1.5 km. The triggered channels often show a significant reduction of tortuosity with height; the natural flashes show no apparent trend of tortuosity variation with height. A time‐resolved record of one of the triggered flashes reveals an abrupt doubling in speed of the upward leader associated with a sharp reduction in channel tortuosity. This observation suggests that positive lightning leaders may manifest decreased tortuosity when driven by larger fields.