Cloud-to-ground lightning activity in Colombia and the influence of topography. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aranguren, D.; López, J.; Inampués, J.; Torres, H.; Betz, H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics. Volume 154(2017)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 189
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Ground flash density -- Tropical region -- Mountainous region -- VLF/LF lightning detection system; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Atmospheric physics -- Periodicals; Géophysique -- Périodiques; Météorologie physique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2016.08.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-6826

Abstract

Abstract: Lightning activity on the Colombian mountains, where the altitude varies from 0 to more than 5000 MSL, is studied based on VLF/LF lightning detection data and using a 2012–2013 dataset. The influence of altitude is observed by evaluating cloud-to-ground lightning incidence at different altitude intervals. The relationship between ground flash density and altitude gradient vectors is studied. Results show a clear dependence of the flash density on elevation. Abstract : Highlights: Tropical zone, high lightning activity, correlation between orography and lightning activity. Lightning incidence parameters change considerably from 0 to more than 5000 MSL. Gradient vectors for elevation and ground flash density are studied. Ground flash density tends to increase with altitude.