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Two-dimensional velocity, optical risetime, and peak current estimates for natural positive lightning return strokesVelocities, optical risetimes, and transmission line model peak currents for seven natural positive return strokes are reported. The average 2D positive return stroke velocity for channel segments of less than 500 m in length starting near the base of the channel is 0.8 +/- 0.3 x 10 exp 8 m/s, which is slower than the present corresponding average velocity for natural negative first return strokes of 1.7 +/- 0.7 x 10 exp 8/s. It is inferred that positive stroke peak currents in the literature, which assume the same velocity as negative strokes, are low by a factor of 2. The average 2D positive return stroke velocity for channel segments of greater than 500 m starting near the base of the channel is 0.9 +/- 0.4 x 10 exp 8 m/s. The corresponding average velocity for the present natural negative first strokes is 1.2 +/- 0.6 x 10 exp 8 m/s. No significant velocity change with height is found for positive return strokes.
Document ID
19930044337
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mach, Douglas M.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, United States)
Rust, W. D.
(NOAA, National Severe Storms Lab. Norman, OK, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
February 20, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 98
Issue: D2
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
93A28334
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-37585
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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