Reevaluating the global and temporal distributions of lightning superbolts: insights from ENTLN data (2018-2021)

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Geophysics
• Meteorology

Background:

• Superbolts (SBs) are exceptionally powerful Cloud-to-Ground (CG) lightning strikes, representing less than 1% of total lightning.
• Understanding their distribution is crucial for lightning safety and atmospheric research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reevaluate the global and temporal distributions of SBs using recent lightning detection data.
• To analyze the spatial patterns, land-ocean ratios, and diel variations of high-current CG strikes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) spanning 2018-2021.
• Focused analysis on CG strikes with peak currents (Ip) ≥ 30 kA.
• Examined spatial distribution, diel patterns, and land-ocean ratios across different Ip thresholds.

Main Results:

• CGs with Ip ≥ 30 kA are more concentrated over land, with hotspots in the Andes, Lake Maracaibo, and Southeast Asia.
• Oceanic CGs (Ip ≥ 30 kA) show localized hotspots in the Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico, and off western Africa.
• CGs with Ip ≥ 50 kA show a sea-to-land ratio > 1, peaking significantly for Ip ≥ 120 kA.

Conclusions:

• The study redefines the characteristics and distribution of superbolts and high-current lightning.
• Distinct diel patterns exist for high-current CGs over land and sea.
• Oceanic lightning patterns correlate with the Carnegie Curve's fair-weather atmospheric electric field variations.