LIGHTNING DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS DETERMINED FROM EXTREMELY LOW-FREQUENCY ATMOSPHERICS.

Abstract

The physical description of a median lightning flash is of practical interest in the statistical evaluation of the global electromagnetic noise spectrum and its effects upon communication systems. A technique for locating and investigating the 'fine structure' of individual lightning discharges occurring several thousands of kilometers from a single receiving station is described. The method employs the simultaneous measurement of the vertical and horizontal components of 'slow tail' atmospheric waveforms. Particular example of 'slow tail' waveforms with different characteristics received from lightning discharges occurring simultaneously in widely separated localities are presented. The mean amplitude spectra of the waveforms emanating from the two storm areas are used to calculate the mean source current moment spectra of the waveform sources using zero-order mode theory. The calculated spectra are then compared with data of other workers who employed different measurement techniques. Plans for future measurements necessary to refine the technique are also discussed. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 29, 1968
Accession Number
AD0671996

Entities

People

  • H. G. Hughes

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude
  • Atmospherics
  • Communication Systems
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Extremely Low Frequency
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Shift
  • Lightning
  • Measurement
  • Radiation
  • Radio Waves
  • Spectra
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Waveforms

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Optical Fiber Sensing and Electromagnetic Propagation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design