Abstract
AbstractLightning flash rates, RL, are modulated by corotating interaction regions (CIRs) and the polarity of the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF) in near‐Earth space. As the HMF polarity reverses at the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), typically within a CIR, these phenomena are likely related. In this study, RL is found to be significantly enhanced at the HCS and at 27 days prior/after. The strength of the enhancement depends on the polarity of the HMF reversal at the HCS. Near‐Earth solar and galactic energetic particle fluxes are also ordered by HMF polarity, though the variations qualitatively differ from RL, with the main increase occurring prior to the HCS crossing. Thus, the CIR effect on lightning is either the result of compression/amplification of the HMF (and its subsequent interaction with the terrestrial system) or that energetic particle preconditioning of the Earth system prior to the HMF polarity change is central to solar wind lightning coupling mechanism.
Highlights
Lightning is of interest to a wide range of disciplines from atmospheric chemistry to studies of aviation hazards and forest fire management
Two recent studies have used daily means of UK thunderstorm activity to demonstrate a modulation associated with both corotating interaction regions (CIRs) and the polarity of the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF)
CIRs are strongly associated with the heliospheric current sheet (HCS), where the polarity of the HMF reverses; it is likely these two thunderstorm effects are the result of the same physical phenomenon
Summary
Lightning is of interest to a wide range of disciplines from atmospheric chemistry to studies of aviation hazards and forest fire management. Near-Earth solar and galactic energetic particle fluxes are ordered by HMF polarity, though the variations qualitatively differ from RL, with the main increase occurring prior to the HCS crossing.
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