Cloud-to-ground lightning activity in Colombia and the influence of topography

Abstract

Lightning activity on the Colombian mountains, where the altitude varies from 0 to more than 5000MSL, is studied based on VLF/LF lightning detection data and using a 2012–2013 dataset. The influence of altitude is observed by evaluating cloud-to-ground lightning incidence at different altitude intervals. The relationship between ground flash density and altitude gradient vectors is studied. Results show a clear dependence of the flash density on elevation.