Electrical Structure of Real Thunderstorms in Relation to Energetic Radiation Production

Abstract:

Recent observations have shown that highly energetic radiation in various forms is produced in association with thunderstorms. Many of the developing models of energetic radiation production rely on characteristics of the underlying thunderstorm electrical structure that are more or less known. This presentation will give an overview of electric field and net charge structures observed inside thunderstorms as they may relate to the production of energetic radiation. Locations within clouds of lightning initiation and altitudes of the main charges involved in intracloud and cloud-to-ground lightning flashes will be covered. Typical maximum electric field magnitudes and their altitudes within storms will be discussed, along with the few cases of extreme field values observed near lightning initiations. The variability in the large scale charge structure and the possible importance of smaller scale features as a storm evolves through its lifecycle will also be examined.