Predicting the potential for lightning activity in mediterranean storms based on the WRF model dynamic and microphysical fields

A new parameter is introduced: the lightning potential index (LPI), which is a measure of the potential for charge generation and separation that leads to lightning flashes in convective thunderstorms. The LPI is calculated within the charge separation region of clouds between 0 C and 20 C, where th...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Yair, Yoav, Lynn, Barry, Price, Colin, Kotroni, Vassiliki, Lagouvardos, Konstantinos, Morin, Efrat, Mugnai, Alberto, Llasat Botija, María del Carmen
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2010
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/47612
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/47612
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Llamps
Tempestes
Previsió del temps
Models matemàtics
Mediterrània (Regió)
Lightning
Storms
Weather forecasting
Mathematical models
Mediterranean Region
Descripción
Sumario:A new parameter is introduced: the lightning potential index (LPI), which is a measure of the potential for charge generation and separation that leads to lightning flashes in convective thunderstorms. The LPI is calculated within the charge separation region of clouds between 0 C and 20 C, where the noninductive mechanism involving collisions of ice and graupel particles in the presence of supercooled water is most effective. As shown in several case studies using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with explicit microphysics, the LPI is highly correlated with observed lightning. It is suggested that the LPI may be a useful parameter for predicting lightning as well as a tool for improving weather forecasting of convective storms and heavy rainfall.