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Detecting lightning infrasound using a high-altitude balloon

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL078401· OSTI ID:1459936
 [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (United States)
  2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
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Acoustic waves with a wide range of frequencies are generated by lightning strokes during thunderstorms, including infrasonic waves (0.1 to 20 Hz). The source mechanism for these low frequency acoustic waves is still debated and studies have so far been limited to ground–based instruments. Here we report the first confirmed detection of lightning generated infrasound with acoustic instruments suspended at stratospheric altitudes using a free–flying balloon. We observe high–amplitude signals generated by lightning strokes located within 100 km of the balloon as it flew over the Tasman Sea on 17 May 2016. The signals share many characteristics with waveforms recorded previously by ground–based instruments near thunderstorms. The ability to measure lightning activity with high–altitude infrasound instruments has demonstrated the potential for using these platforms to image the full acoustic wavefield in the atmosphere. In conclusion, it validates the use of these platforms for recording and characterizing infrasonic sources located beyond the detection range of ground–based instruments.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1459936
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1461011
Report Number(s):
SAND--2018-6781J; 664907
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 45; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (1)

Numerical Simulation of the Atmospheric Signature of Artificial and Natural Seismic Events journal November 2018

Figures / Tables (10)

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Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
high-altitude balloon
infrasound
lightning