NO{sub x} from lightning 2. Constraints from the global atmospheric electric circuit

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Journal of Geophysical Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/96JD02551· OSTI ID:587199

Price, C ^[1]; Penner, J ^[1]; Prather, M ^[2]

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1. Atmospheric Science Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California (United States)
2. Department of Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine (United States)

The global atmospheric electric circuit can be used to constrain the total amount of NO{sub x} produced by lightning (LNO{sub x}). Since the global atmospheric electric circuit is regulated by global thunderstorm activity and, more specifically, global lightning currents, we use the global electric circuit to quantify and place limits on the total amount of energy available from lightning. Using a production rate of 10{times}10{sup 16} molecules NO/J, we have calculated the global LNO{sub x} production on monthly, annual, and interannual timescales from 1983 to 1991. The 8-year mean production rate is found to be 13.2 Tg N/yr and agrees with the independent estimate derived in part 1 of this study (12.2 Tg N/yr), which is based on lightning physics and global lightning distributions. After considering the various uncertainties in these calculations, we conclude that the annual production rate of NO{sub x} from lightning cannot be less than 5 nor more than 25 Tg N/yr.{copyright} 1997 American Geophysical Union

• OSTI ID: 587199
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research Journal Issue: D5 Vol. 102; ISSN JGREA2; ISSN 0148-0227
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
LIGHTNING
NITROGEN OXIDES
TROPOSPHERE