Simulation Study About the Influence of Atmospheric Stratification on Lightning Activities

A 2D model about charging and discharging processes in thundercloud is used to simulate three differential atmospheric stratifications resulting in discrepant thunderstorm processes in Beijing region. The dynamic and microphysical processes in thunderstorm and their influence on lightning activities are also discussed.The results indicate that ascending velocity and water vapor are the most important factors to influence lightning activities. At the same time, they affect each other and are together controlled by atmospheric stratification. The magnitude of the ascending velocity determines the intensity of storm and the time when the thunderstorm matured. The thunderstorm with strong updrafts can reach a large height in a short time. Strong persistent updrafts and suffcient water vapor which help to generate more ice phase hydrometeors that directly influence charging and discharging process will prolong the mature stage of the thunderstorm and thereby enhance lightning activities. Though the big density of ice phase hydrometeors can be formed, it is diffcult to sustain a long time in the condition of strong updrafts and scant water vapor. Under the condition of weak updrafts and suffcient water vapor in the whole levels, it is easy to form warm cloud process in which the ice phase process and lightning activities are weak. The favorable stratification conditions for strong lightning activities are the suffcient vapor in the lower atmosphere,moderate humidity in the mid troposphere, big instability energy and some suitable convective inhibition.Through calculating some atmospheric instability parameters, it is indicated that convective instability index smaller than -10 °C (negative means instable), convective available potential energy larger than 1000 J kg-1, convective inhibition larger than 40 J kg-1, the 700-hPa potential equivalent temperature larger than 340 K and the 35%-85% humidity in the mid troposphere (700-400 hPa) are the advantageous conditions for strong lightning activities.