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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Stroke multiplicity and horizontal scale of negative charge regions in thunderclouds

Full text
Author(s):
Williams, Earle R. [1] ; Mattos, Enrique V. [2] ; Machado, Luiz A. T. [2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] MIT, Ralph M Parsons Lab, Cambridge, MA 02139 - USA
[2] Inst Nacl Pesquisas Espaciais, Ctr Previsao Tempo & Estudos Climat, Cachoeira Paulista - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Geophysical Research Letters; v. 43, n. 10, p. 5460-5466, MAY 28 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

An X-band polarimetric radar and multiple lightning detection systems are used to document the initial cloud-to-ground lightning flash in a large number (46 cases) of incipient thunderstorms, as part of the CHUVA-Vale field campaign during the 2011/2012 spring-summer in southeast Brazil. The results show an exceptionally low stroke multiplicity (87% of flashes with single stroke) in the initial ground flashes, a finding consistent with the limited space available for the positive leader extension into new regions of negative space charge in compact cells. The results here are contrasted with the behavior of ground flashes in mesoscale thunderstorms in previous studies. Additionally, we found evidence for a minimum scale (radar echo >20 dBZ) for lightning initiation (>3 km in radius) and that the peak currents of initial cloud-to-ground flashes in these compact thunderstorms are only half as large as return stroke peak currents in general. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/13673-8 - Radar and electrical studies of deep convection in Vael do Paraíba during CHUVA
Grantee:Luiz Augusto Toledo Machado
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
FAPESP's process: 13/04292-6 - Microphysical characteristics of isolated storms before and during the production of the first cloud-to-ground flash
Grantee:Enrique Vieira Mattos
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 09/15235-8 - Cloud processes of the main precipitation systems in Brazil: a contribution to cloud resolving modeling and to the GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement)
Grantee:Luiz Augusto Toledo Machado
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants