Initiation of lightning in thunderclouds

Vladimir A. Rakov

doi:10.1117/12.675583

Translator Disclaimer

3 February 2006 Initiation of lightning in thunderclouds

Vladimir A. Rakov

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 5975, Topical Problems of Nonlinear Wave Physics; 597512 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.675583
Event: Topical Problems of Nonlinear Wave Physics, 2005, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

The maximum electric fields typically measured in thunderclouds are reviewed with a view toward lightning initiation mechanism. Initial breakdown processes in both cloud-to-ground and cloud discharges are considered, and characteristics of associated electric and magnetic field pulses are given. Narrow bipolar pulses attributed to the so-called compact intracloud discharges are characterized. Proposed mechanisms of lightning initiation in thunderclouds are presented and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Vladimir A. Rakov "Initiation of lightning in thunderclouds", Proc. SPIE 5975, Topical Problems of Nonlinear Wave Physics, 597512 (3 February 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.675583

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE