Title:
Aspects of Gigantic Jet-Producing Thunderstorms in Different Environments
Author(s):
Evan Johnson
Author Email:
ejohns14@unca.edu
Department:
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
Faculty Mentor(s):
egodrey@unca.edu
Elaine Godfrey
Abstract / Summary:
Gigantic jets (GJs) represent a type of upper atmospheric lightning within the broader family of transient luminous events, often extending up from the cloud top to the lower ionosphere. Given the rarity of GJ events, their impact on the global electric circuit and the surrounding environment remains fairly unknown, as is the impact of GJs on the electrical nature of thunderstorms, and consequently on lightning within them. In general, a comprehensive understanding of lightning within thunderstorms can help forecasters and residents prepare for potentially damaging events initiated by lightning. Perhaps, as a few researchers have suggested, the GJ-producing thunderstorm environment could allow for insight into when and where GJs occur and their associated repercussions. Few studies have explored GJs in significantly different environments. The research presented here uses model reanalysis data to describe GJ-producing thunderstorms by investigating different atmospheric variables, such as CAPE and equivalent potential temperature, in varying environments. This study also utilizes radar data to examine the structure of storms from several case studies. The analysis will not only describe characteristics of the GJ-producing thunderstorm but also equip future researchers with a diagnostic tool for identifying GJ storms and the lightning within them.
Publication Date:
May-17-2024
Documents: