Detecting lightning infrasound using a high-altitude balloon
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
Numerical Simulation of the Atmospheric Signature of Artificial and Natural Seismic Events
|
journal | November 2018 |
Similar Records
Infrasound From a Buried Chemical Explosion Recorded on a Balloon in the Lower Stratosphere
Airborne Infrasound Makes a Splash