Differences Between Flashes With and Without Return Strokes in Rocket‐Triggered Lightning

Abstract

AbstractBased on simultaneous observation of currents and electric field changes, the differences have been identified between flashes with and without return strokes in rocket‐triggered lightning. The triggered lightning events without return stroke have an obvious no‐current period up to some milliseconds before the current flow is reestablished, then a relatively large amplitude (1.2 kA or so) and fast risetime (0.7 μs or less) pulse similar to those of the return stroke current are reestablished between the upward positive leader and the ground. The triggered lightning events with return strokes have no no‐current period in the initial current variation, and the current pulse of wire destruction and plasma channel reestablishment process is similar to the M‐component pulse, featuring a small amplitude (0.17 kA or so) and slow risetime (57 μs or more). The stronger initial stage is usually followed by return strokes.