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Return stroke velocities and currents using a solid state silicon detector systemA small, portable device has been developed to measure return stroke velocities. With the device, velocities from 135 strokes that consist of 92 natural return strokes and 43 triggered return strokes have been analyzed. The average return stroke velocity for longer channels, greater than 500 meters, is 1.2 + or - 0.3 x 10 to the 8th m/s for both natural and triggered return strokes. For shorter channel lengths, less than 500 m, natural lightning has a statistically higher average return stroke velocity of 1.9 + or - 0.7 x 10 to the 8th m/s than triggered lightning with an average return stroke velocity of 1.4 + or - 0.4 x 10 to the 8th m/s. Using the transmission line model of the return stroke, natural lightning has a peak current distribution that is log-normal with a median value of 19 kA. Return stroke velocities and currents were determined for two distant single stroke natural positive cloud-to-ground flashes. The velocities were 1.0 and 1.7 x 10 to the 8th ms/s while the estimated peak current for each positive flash was over 125 kA.
Document ID
19890038856
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mach, Douglas M.
(National Severe Storms Lab. Norman, OK, United States)
Rust, W. David
(NOAA, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman OK, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Atmospheric Electricity
Location: Uppsala
Country: Sweden
Start Date: June 13, 1988
End Date: June 16, 1988
Accession Number
89A26227
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER H-39299-B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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