Mutual relationship between surface atmospheric pollutants and CG lightning in Tehran area

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Environmental Science
• Meteorology

Background:

• The interaction between atmospheric pollutants and lightning is crucial for understanding weather phenomena.
• Previous research has not explored this relationship in the Tehran region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between surface atmospheric pollutants and Cloud-to-Ground (CG) lightning in Tehran.
• To analyze the impact of PM10 on CG lightning initiation and lightning's effect on NO2 and ozone production.

Main Methods:

• Collected thunderstorm and CG lightning data from the Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO).
• Acquired surface pollution data (PM10, NO2, surface ozone) from the Air Quality Control Center (AQCC).
• Utilized World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) data for the number of lightning (NoL) and calculated correlation coefficients.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was observed between PM10 concentration and the number of CG lightning flashes.
• CG lightning was found to contribute positively to the production of NO2 and ozone.
• Hourly analysis showed NO2 concentrations decreased while O3 concentrations increased with significant lightning activity.

Conclusions:

• Surface pollutant concentrations, particularly PM10, are linked to CG lightning occurrence in Tehran.
• CG lightning plays a role in the atmospheric chemistry of NO2 and ozone.
• The findings highlight a complex interplay between air quality and lightning events.