a question on lightning...

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Rieyeuxs
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a question on lightning...

#1 Postby Rieyeuxs » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:19 am

Saw an interesting picture on one of the networks yesterday showing the total number of lightining strikes of Ivan after about 8 hours on land, and it wasn't much.

So, for those in the know, why don't hurricanes produce more Thunderstorms, ie, lightning? We've got the wind, and the rain, and even tornados (as those of us in SC will vouch for with Frances!) so why so the dynamics not produce much lightning?

Just curious...
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#2 Postby x-y-no » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:35 am

The process of developing sufficient charge separation to produce lightning is complex and involves the formation of ice particles which carry negative charge downwards. Temperature distribution and convection are in general not right in hurricanes to produce intense lightning.

Occasionally lightning will occur in the eyewall in association with an intense burst of convection associated with rapid intensification.
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#3 Postby MWatkins » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:43 am

x-y-no wrote:The process of developing sufficient charge separation to produce lightning is complex and involves the formation of ice particles which carry negative charge downwards. Temperature distribution and convection are in general not right in hurricanes to produce intense lightning.

Occasionally lightning will occur in the eyewall in association with an intense burst of convection associated with rapid intensification.


I was getting ready to take a stab at it...but this answer is much better than mine.

Nice job x-y-no.

MW
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#4 Postby isobar » Fri Sep 17, 2004 10:49 am

I read somewhere that eyewall lightning indicates mid-level dry air.
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