Introducing the Concept of the Volume Lightning Strike Density

Abstract

This letter introduces the concept of the volume lightning strike density (vLSD) and provides the mathematical framework for transitioning from a 2D to a 3D electrogeometric analysis; this may offer new insights into established methodologies for lightning incidence estimation and risk assessment. The feasibility of the vLSD idea is based on the intensive research conducted on emerging technologies of 3D reconstruction of lightning discharges path. Thus, based on the vLSD concept, a new lightning activity parameter <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">NV</i> (strikes/km3/yr), that is, the average number of lightning strikes with at least one leader branch per cubic kilometer per year in an area, can be quantified in light of the widespread installation of modern lightning discharge recording systems. This work may open new horizons on lightning activity characterization offering an alternative or complementary approach to the traditional concept of the ground flash density, <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">NG</i> (flashes/km2/yr); the proposed vLSD concept could also be applied in evaluating the lightning interception efficiency of traditional as well as advanced lightning protection systems especially at critical sites, where enhanced lightning protection is of importance.