Journal Article

PUBDB-2024-07223

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Thunderstorm Charge Distribution Determination Using Cosmic Rays Induced Air Showers and Lightning Imaging at LOFAR

Trinh, T. N. (Corresponding author)DESY* ; Scholten, O. ; van Loon, R. ; Hare, B. M. ; Assink, J. D. ; Bouma, S. ; Buitink, S. ; Corstanje, A. ; Cummer, S. ; Desmet, M. ; Dwyer, J. ; Falcke, H. ; Hörandel, J. R. ; Huege, T. ; Karastathis, N. ; Krampah, G. K. ; Laub, P. ; Liu, N. ; Lourens, M. ; Mulrey, K. ; Nelles, A. ; Pandya, H. ; Sterpka, C. ; Terveer, K. ; Thoudam, S. ; Turekova, P. ; ter Veen, S.

2025
Wiley Hoboken, NJ

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1029/2025GL115586  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2024-07223

Abstract: The LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) radio telescope possesses the unique capability to measure ultra-high energy cosmic rays as well as image lightning discharges. This study presents a comparison between the inferred thunderstorm charge structures derived from cosmic-ray measurements and from lightning flashes. Our results show a basic triple-layered distribution: a positive upper layer, a main negative layer, and a positive lower layer. However, our cosmic-ray measurement shows a bottom-heavy structure, where the charge in the upper positively charged layer is smaller than that in the lower one. This is consistent with practically all lightning observations with LOFAR, showing well-developed negative leader structures at altitudes below those where positive leaders are seen. This is very different from the vast majority of thundercloud charge structures seen around the world.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. RADIO (Z-RAD)

Research Program(s):

1. 613 - Matter and Radiation from the Universe (POF4-613) (POF4-613)
2. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)531213488 - Zeitlich hochaufgelöste 3D-Abbildung der Radioemission von kosmischen Luftschauern mit LOFAR und SKA (531213488) (531213488)
3. LIFT - Lightning corona Imaging From a radio Telescope (101041097) (101041097)

Experiment(s):

1. No specific instrument
2. The Radio Neutrino Observatory in Greenland

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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