Detecting lightning infrasound using a high-altitude balloon
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC (United States)
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
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 groundâbased instruments. Here we report the first confirmed detection of lightning generated infrasound with acoustic instruments suspended at stratospheric altitudes using a freeâflying balloon. We observe highâamplitude 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 groundâbased instruments near thunderstorms. The ability to measure lightning activity with highâaltitude 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 groundâbased 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
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journal | November 2018 |
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