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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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Yair, Yoav, Lynn, Barry, Price, Colin, Kotroni, Vassiliki, Lagouvardos, Konstantinos, Morin, Efrat, Mugnai, Alberto, Llasat Botija, María del Carmen
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2010
Country:España
Institution:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repository:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/47612
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/47612
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Llamps
Tempestes
Previsió del temps
Models matemàtics
Mediterrània (Regió)
Lightning
Storms
Weather forecasting
Mathematical models
Mediterranean Region
Description
Summary: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.