Relay charge transport in thunderclouds and its role in lightning initiation

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric physics
• Plasma physics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Thunderclouds exhibit complex electrical phenomena.
• Understanding charge transport is crucial for lightning prediction.
• Previous models do not fully capture intra-cloud charge dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and numerically investigate a new "relay" mechanism for charge transport within thunderclouds.
• To elucidate the role of dynamical plasma formations in thundercloud electrical development.
• To link this mechanism to the formation of lightning seeds.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulations of charge transport.
• Modeling of dynamical plasma formations (ionic spots and streamer networks).
• Analysis of pre-streamer and streamer/leader discharge stages.

Main Results:

• The proposed "relay" mechanism involves two modes: ionic spot dynamics and streamer/leader networks.
• This mechanism facilitates charge transport through a transient network of conducting plasma.
• A compact, well-conducting structure, a potential lightning seed, is formed.
• Transport effectiveness is highly dependent on the proportion of conductive elements and electric field.

Conclusions:

• The "relay" mechanism offers a new perspective on charge transport in thunderclouds.
• It explains the transition from initial charge separation to conditions favoring lightning.
• The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of thundercloud electrical processes and lightning initiation.