Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges

Abstract Using three different lightning observation systems, we have observed the first stepping processes of three lightning discharges with unprecedented details. We found that each of the first stepping processes contains a clear upward fast negative breakdown (FNB) corresponding to the prelimin...

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Main Authors: Qingliu Yang, Daohong Wang, Junchen Yang, Ting Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-02-01
Series:Geophysical Research Letters
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL111468
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author Qingliu Yang
Daohong Wang
Junchen Yang
Ting Wu
author_facet Qingliu Yang
Daohong Wang
Junchen Yang
Ting Wu
author_sort Qingliu Yang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Using three different lightning observation systems, we have observed the first stepping processes of three lightning discharges with unprecedented details. We found that each of the first stepping processes contains a clear upward fast negative breakdown (FNB) corresponding to the preliminary breakdown (PB) pulse peak. Prior to the FNB from the lightning initiation, most sources are located in a fan‐shape area, and the FNB grows from this area forming a channel with a length from 45 to 120 m. During the period of about 100 microseconds immediately preceding the PB pulse, multiple 1–12 MHz radio bursts are located within or near the fan shape area. These radio bursts may indicate stem/space leaders. Eventually the FNB decayed and scattered in another fan shape area at the upper end of the channel. Based on these findings, we have proposed a complete picture of the first stepping process.
format Article
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institution OA Journals
issn 0094-8276
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language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Wiley
record_format Article
series Geophysical Research Letters
spelling doaj-art-9304041cd8634ef2b93de2508140da562025-08-20T02:31:09ZengWileyGeophysical Research Letters0094-82761944-80072025-02-01524n/an/a10.1029/2024GL111468Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning DischargesQingliu Yang0Daohong Wang1Junchen Yang2Ting Wu3Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Gifu University Gifu JapanDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Gifu University Gifu JapanDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Gifu University Gifu JapanDepartment of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Gifu University Gifu JapanAbstract Using three different lightning observation systems, we have observed the first stepping processes of three lightning discharges with unprecedented details. We found that each of the first stepping processes contains a clear upward fast negative breakdown (FNB) corresponding to the preliminary breakdown (PB) pulse peak. Prior to the FNB from the lightning initiation, most sources are located in a fan‐shape area, and the FNB grows from this area forming a channel with a length from 45 to 120 m. During the period of about 100 microseconds immediately preceding the PB pulse, multiple 1–12 MHz radio bursts are located within or near the fan shape area. These radio bursts may indicate stem/space leaders. Eventually the FNB decayed and scattered in another fan shape area at the upper end of the channel. Based on these findings, we have proposed a complete picture of the first stepping process.https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL111468lightninglightning initiationlightning leader
spellingShingle Qingliu Yang
Daohong Wang
Junchen Yang
Ting Wu
Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
Geophysical Research Letters
lightning
lightning initiation
lightning leader
title Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
title_full Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
title_fullStr Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
title_full_unstemmed Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
title_short Observation of the First Stepping Process of Three Winter Lightning Discharges
title_sort observation of the first stepping process of three winter lightning discharges
topic lightning
lightning initiation
lightning leader
url https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL111468
work_keys_str_mv AT qingliuyang observationofthefirststeppingprocessofthreewinterlightningdischarges
AT daohongwang observationofthefirststeppingprocessofthreewinterlightningdischarges
AT junchenyang observationofthefirststeppingprocessofthreewinterlightningdischarges
AT tingwu observationofthefirststeppingprocessofthreewinterlightningdischarges