PROJECT TITLE :

Contribution to Lightning Parameters Study Based on Some American Tropical Regions Observations

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents a recent characterization review of three cloud-to-ground lightning parameters [lightning peak current, ground flash density, and keraunic level (KL)] utilized in engineering applications based mostly on obtainable information from studies conducted in some tropical countries of Central and South America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Venezuela), considering seasonal and spatial variation aspects. There are some variations between the behaviors of the analyzed parameters in tropical areas as compared with those revealed within the literature for temperate ones. The most significant conclusion is that historical knowledge recommend that the very best ground flash density are located between latitude of 8° and 10° north. This worth is a lot of on top of the highest values reported for countries located in temperate regions. It is seen from the KL analysis that this parameter varies depending on the latitude with values up to 200 thunderstorm days (TDs).