Similarities in the Initiation of Upward Positive and Downward Negative Lightning Flashes

TL;DR

This paper investigates the similarities between upward positive and downward negative lightning initiation processes, revealing common physical mechanisms through analysis of electrical data and high-speed imagery, advancing understanding of lightning development.

Contribution

It demonstrates that upward negative leader pulses and downward negative preliminary breakdown pulses share similar characteristics, suggesting common physical processes in lightning initiation.

Findings

Similarities between upward negative leader pulses and downward PBPs.

Correlations between electric field and current parameters support field-current relationships.

High-speed footage shows recoil leaders produce certain pulse types.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between upward negative stepped leader pulses in upward positive lightning and preliminary breakdown pulses (PBPs) in downward negative lightning discharges. Through analysis of simultaneous channel-base current and electric field data from the S\"{a}ntis tower in Switzerland, we found notable similarities between the "Category A" and "B" pulses associated with the initial continuous current of upward negative leaders, and the "Classical" and "Narrow" PBPs observed in downward negative flashes. Statistical comparisons reveal correlations between electric field and current parameters for Category A pulses, supporting the field-current relationship for preliminary breakdown proposed in previous studies. These results suggest that similar physical processes may be involved in the early stages of negative leader development in both upward and downward lightning, providing valuable insights into lightning initiation that could not be obtained from conventional field measurements alone. Furthermore, high-speed camera footage revealed that Category B pulses can be produced by a downward-propagating recoil leader. As a whole, these findings demonstrate that detailed observations of upward lightning can offer valuable insight into the complex processes underlying lightning initiation and propagation.