Locating initial breakdown pulses using electric field change network

摘要: [1] Initial breakdown pulses (IBPs) observed in the fast electric field change (E-change) at beginning of intracloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes are located using a time-of-arrival technique called Position By Fast Antenna (PBFA) with data from network 10 E-change sensors Kennedy Space Center. Location errors, estimated Monte Carlo method, usually less than 100 m for horizontal coordinates several hundreds meters altitude, depending on distance to altitude source. Comparison PBFA source locations VHF mapping system (Lightning Detection Ranging II (LDAR2)) shows that locates most “classic” IBPs while LDAR2 only few percent them. As flash develops during IB stage, obtain similar when they detect same IBPs. The overall vertical motion indicated by positions was downward time CG upward IC flashes. due return strokes is also determined PBFA. Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Surveillance System (CGLSS) reliably ground strokes. These results verified truth acquired high-speed video camera. After cross calibration CGLSS set, peak currents determined.