Microphysical characteristics of isolated storms before and during the production of the first cloud-to-ground flash

Abstract

The BEPE project intends determine the impact of clouds ice and mix phase on storms initial electrification and on producing flashes lightning. This objective is part of Brazilian Scholarship Regular Project (FAPESP process number: 2011/18217-0) begin carried out and also is associated the Tematic Project termed CHUVA. Data from Xpol Polarimetric radar, Lightning Mapper Array (LMA) and the Brazilian lightning network will be used from CHUVA-GLM-Vale campaign from November 2011 to March 2012. The first step will be select case studies to evaluated the relationship between the first intra-cloud return strokes and vertical structure of horizontal reflectivity, differential reflectivity, specific differential phase and correlation factor. Will be determined the three dimensional distribution of LMA data to the create storms electrical structure in initial phase. The second step has the objective of evaluate the physical characteristics of the first cloud-to-ground flashes of storms. Will be analyzed parameters like: polarity, peak current and multiplicity (number of return strokes of flash) in the time flashes strike the ground. This project is planned to be realized in eight months at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with the researcher Dr. Earle Williams. This time at MIT will allow understand and make a lot of discussing on how the cloud become electrified and evaluated which clouds microphysical proprieties has an important impact on producing the first cloud-to-ground flashes lightning. (AU)