Differences in distribution characteristics between negative and positive CG lightning flashes in Guangzhou tall-objects region

Abstract:
Based on the optical observation data obtained from Tall-Object Lightning Observatory in Guangzhou (TOLOG) and lightning location data provided by Lightning Location System, the differences in distribution characteristics between negative and positive cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes in Guangzhou tall-objects region are analyzed. Additionally, the stochastic lightning leader model was employed to simulate the leader development and attachment process of down-ward positive lightning flash. The results indicate that: super-tall-objects with heights higher than 300 m exhibit a signif-icant attraction to nearby downward negative CG lightning, and the influence range can extend several kilometers; super-tall-objects in Guangzhou can also initiate upward negative CG lightning; the attraction of tall-objects to downward positive CG lightning flashes is noticeably weaker than that to negative ones; the downward negative CG lightning striking below the tops of tall-objects are relatively rare, while the proportion of the downward positive CG lightning striking below the tops of tall-objects to all tall-objects positive flashes observed at TOLOG is high.