Examining the Kinematic Structures within which Lightning Flashes Are Initiated Using a Cloud-Resolving Model

Abstract Lightning is frequently initiated within the convective regions of thunderstorms, and so flash rates tend to follow trends in updraft speed volume. It has been suggested that lightning production linked turbulent flow generated by updrafts as eddies organize charged hydrometeors into complex charge structures. These structures consist local increased magnitudes between which flash-initiating electric fields may be generated. How kinematics influences production, however, remains unclear. In this study, flashes produced a multicell two supercell storms simulated using The Collaborative Model for Multiscale Atmospheric Simulation (COMMAS) were examined identify kinematic they occurred. By relating thermals, expected located where rate strain rotational are equal, or eddy features. Results showed average dominated vortical patterns, similar those structures’ characterized horizontal vorticity vertical shearing. features common across all cases demonstrated along periphery produced. Careful consideration near consistent with thermals rising through storm.