Abstract
Twelve years of measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD), cloud fraction, cloud top height, ice cloud optical thickness and lightning flash density from 2001 to 2012 have been analyzed to investigate the effect of aerosols on electrical activity over an area of China. The results show that increasing aerosol loading inspires the convective intensity, and then increases the lightning flash density. The spatial distribution of the correlation between aerosol loading and electrical activity shows a remarkable regional difference over China. The high-correlation regions embody the positive aerosol microphysical effect on the intensity of the electrical activity, while the large-scale processes may play the main role in convection development and producing lightning in low-correlation regions.
Highlights
Aerosols that serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and cloud ice nuclei (IN) affect cloud microphysical properties such as the cloud droplet size distribution, collision efficiency, evaporation and condensation efficiency, and generation of ice particles [1,2]
Westcott [11] was the first to indicate the relationship between the lightning flash density and anthropogenic aerosols; the results showed the enhancement of lightning over big cities and downwind areas because of anthropogenic aerosol emissions
In order to reveal the effect of aerosols on electrical activity in thunderstorms, we discussed the lightning flash density, cloud fraction, cloud top height, ice cloud optical thickness, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) measured with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
Summary
Aerosols that serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and cloud ice nuclei (IN) affect cloud microphysical properties such as the cloud droplet size distribution, collision efficiency, evaporation and condensation efficiency, and generation of ice particles [1,2]. The effects of smoke aerosols produced by biomass burning on cloud properties and lightning activity have been discussed in previous observational studies. Lyons et al [25] and Murray et al [26], who studied the effect of smoke produced by forest fires in southern Mexico, transported into the U.S. southern plains from April to June 1998, on CG lightning flash, indicated that smoke aerosols inspired the intensity of the lightning and enhanced the percentage and peak current of positive-polarity CG lightning. In order to reveal the effect of aerosols on electrical activity in thunderstorms, we discussed the lightning flash density, cloud fraction, cloud top height, ice cloud optical thickness, and AOD measured with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Satellite and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Aqua satellite for 12 years (2001–2012) over China and the neighboring area
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