ISSN 1006-9895

CN 11-1768/O4

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Lightning Activity and Contribution of Thunderstorms with Different Lightning-Producing Capabilities in Beijing Metropolitan Region
Author:
Affiliation:

Fund Project:

  • Article
  • |
  • Figures
  • |
  • Metrics
  • |
  • Reference
  • |
  • Related
  • |
  • Cited by
  • |
  • Materials
    Abstract:

    Based on the lightning data from BLNET (Beijing Lightning Network) and SAFIR3000 (Surveillance et Alerte Foudre par Interometrie Radioelectrique), the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of lightning flashes produced in 423 thunderstorms in Beijing in seven years are analyzed. According to number of lightning flashes generated by a thunderstorm, and reference both radar echo and thunderstorm duration, the 423 thunderstorms are divided into three categories: weak thunderstorm (≤1000 times), strong thunderstorms (1000 to 10000 times), and super thunderstorms (>10000 times). The contribution of each thunderstorm category to the total lightning flash distribution is analyzed. The average lightning flash density in Beijing is about 1.9 flashes km-2 a-1, and the maximum is about 15.4 flashes km-2 a-1, in the southeastern plan region. The area of high lightning flash density greater than 8 flashes km-2 a-1 is basically distributed in the plain area with altitude below 200 m. Thunderstorms of different intensities contribute differently to the total thunderstorm lightning flashes. The weak thunderstorms are more in number but produce fewer lightning flashes, while the super thunderstorms are fewer but produce more lightning flashes. The lightning flashes generated by super thunderstorms and strong thunderstorms account for 37% and 56% of the total thunderstorm lightning flashes, respectively. Thunderstorms of different intensities have a significant effect on the distribution of high-density lightning flash centers and the characteristics of daily changes in lightning flash. The eastern part of Changping District, the central and eastern parts of Shunyi District, and the main urban area of Beijing are the three high-flash-density regions with a density value greater than 12 flashes km-2 a-1. The first two high-value centers are greatly affected by the strong thunderstorms, while the high-value center in the urban areas is mainly affected by the super thunderstorms. The frequent lightning activities in the evenings are mainly caused by the super thunderstorms and strong thunderstorms. These two types of thunderstorms are active at night, accounting for 69% and 65% of the total lightning flashes, respectively. The weak thunderstorm lightning activity increases rapidly during the day and contributes greatly to the afternoon lightning activity of the total thunderstorm. In addition, the diurnal variation of lightning activity under different underlying surface conditions varies widely. The lightning activity is more likely to occur during the daytime in the mountainous area, and it increases rapidly in the afternoon, with the main peak appearing at 1800 Beijing time. However, the peak lightning activity in the plain occurs at evenings. The main peaks of the plain and hill regions are delayed by about 1.5 h and 1 h compared with the peak of the mountainous area, respectively.

    Reference
    Related
    Cited by
Get Citation
Share
Article Metrics
  • Abstract:
  • PDF:
  • HTML:
  • Cited by:
History
  • Received:March 15,2019
  • Revised:
  • Adopted:
  • Online: March 20,2020
  • Published: