Recurrent Lightning Spots with Different Lightning Return Period

Abstract:
Recurrent lightning spots (RLS) is a recent concept that explores places that experience lightning year after year. This article presents an analysis of the RLS concerning the recurrence interval. We adapt the concept of the return periods to refer to this time interval. The variation in different lightning return period made that new RLS appear. The region of study is centred in Catalonia (Spain, Europe) using LINET lightning data. The methodology is described. Results show that just one RLS fulfills a half-year return period, while the number of RLS significantly increases when the lightning return period is longer than one year. The RLS return period criteria could be used as a reference for maintenance and/or inspection, in particular for sensitive applications such as wind turbines.