Lightning flash characteristics, 1987
A magnetic direction finding system for the detection of lightning flashes to ground has operated in the eastern part of the United States since 1982 and has now expanded to cover over 80 percent of the contiguous United States. Complete coverage is planned for the end of 1988. Time, location, flash polarity, multiplicity (the number of strokes per flash) and the initial peak magnetic radiation field amplitude are recorded in real time. Flash locations, time, polarity, peak current, and multiplicity are displayed routinely for research and operational uses. New results for 1987 include the flash density for strikes to ground in the peak current ranges 0--35 kA, 35--65 kA, 65--100 kA and greater than 100 kA. The lightning information is available to utilities through a satellite communication link for real time access or by phone lines for access to historical data, where the last five million flashes are available. The flash information is being compiled into a data base to provide statistical information necessary for the prediction of the surge performance of electric power lines and the improvement of surge protection practices. Results for the year 1987 are presented in this report. 13 refs., 25 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); State Univ. of New York, Albany, NY (USA). Dept. of Atmospheric Science
- OSTI ID:
- 5860002
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-EL-6413
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Lightning flash characteristics
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