Preliminary Analysis of Cloud-to-Ground Lightning in the Vicinity of the Nevada Test Site

摘要

Cloud-to-ground lightning (CG) constitutes a severe hazard to both personnel and sensitive equipment. The Weather Service Nuclear Support Office operates an Automatic Lightning Detection Network to ensure maximum protection on the Nevada Test Site. The study describes the lightning network in some detail. The accuracy and detection efficiency of the system is also investigated. Lightning data were collected and analyzed for the period July 1986 through August 1987. Of particular interest in the data set was the temporal variation of both positive and negative CG flashes. In addition, factors that may influence the character and distribution of lightning flashes were studied.