Impact of the Vertical Velocity Field on Charging Processes and Charge Separation in a Simulated Thunderstorm
Impact of the Vertical Velocity Field on Charging Processes and Charge Separation in a Simulated Thunderstorm作者机构:State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences Laboratory of Lightning Physics and Protection Engineering Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences
出 版 物:《Journal of Meteorological Research》 (气象学报(英文版))
年 卷 期:2015年第29卷第2期
页 面:328-343页
核心收录:
学科分类:07[理学] 070601[理学-气象学] 0706[理学-大气科学]
基 金:Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41205001 and 41030960) National(Key)Basic Research and Development(973)Program of China(2014CB441406) Basic Research Funds of CAMS(2012Y005 and 2013Z006) LASW State Key Laboratory Special Fund
主 题:vertical velocity field charging processes charge separation lightning cloud resolution model
摘 要:A three-dimensional(3D) charging-discharging cloud resolution model was used to investigate the impact of the vertical velocity field on the charging processes and the formation of charge structure in a strong thunderstorm. The distribution and evolution of ice particle content and charges on ice particles were analyzed in different vertical velocity fields. The results show that the ice particles in the vertical velocity range from 1 to 5 m s-1obtained the most charge through charging processes during the lifetime of the thunderstorm. The magnitude of the charges could reach 1014 n C. Before the beginning of lightning activity,the charges produced in updraft region 2(updraft speed 13 m s-1) and updraft region 1(updraft speed between 5 and 13 m s-1) were relatively significant. The magnitudes of charge reached 1013 n C, which clearly impacted upon the early lightning activity. The vertical velocity conditions in the quasi-steady region(updraft speed between -1 and 1 m s-1) were the most conducive for charge separation on ice particles on different scales. Accordingly, a net charge structure always appeared in the quasi-steady and adjacent regions. Based on the results, a conceptual model of ice particle charging, charge separation, and charge structure formation in the flow field was constructed. The model helps to explain observations of the"lightning hole" phenomenon.