Return stroke peak current observations of negative natural and triggered lightning in Brazil

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Observations of return stroke peak currents of negative natural and triggered lightning flashes in the Southeast region of Brazil are reviewed based on recent direct measurements. The natural flashes, both downward and upward, were captured in a 60 m tower in the Morro do Cachimbo Station. The triggered flashes were induced by the rocket-and-wire technique in the International Center for Triggered and Natural Lightning Studies, located in Cachoeira Paulista, Brazil, using both the classical and the altitude methods. Large variations in the peak current values were observed. The two data sets are compared to each other and to similar measurements done in other regions of the world, in an attempt to construct a general comprehensive picture of the peak current of different return strokes.