Multi-Point Mapping of Thunderstorm Electrical Structure

Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

Thomas Carr
Katherin Hilson
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Sarah Terrill

Name: Henry Meyer
Major: Physics
Hometown: Roselle, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE, WSGC

Name: Brant Carlson
Department: Natural Science
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE, WSGC

Name: Cameron Fischer
Major: Physics
Hometown: Streamwood, IL
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE, WSGC

Name: Garrett Shuldes
Major: Physics
Hometown: Willmar, MN
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: SURE
Funding: SURE, WSGC

Abstract

Knowledge of the electric field structures inside thunderstorms is necessary for understanding of thunderstorm electrification and resultant processes. However, existing knowledge comes largely from weather balloon measurements that provide a limited view that entangles motion of the balloon (spatial variability) with overall evolution of the storm (temporal variability). To disentangle spatial and temporal variability, a single balloon carrying multiple dropsondes can be released into a storm, where the dropsondes will be released one at a time, separated by a short time interval. In addition, a model to improve the analysis of the data can be built upon simple approximations of the electrification process, the resulting currents, charge structures, electric fields, and a crude probabilistic lightning model, and provides an electric field that can be used to study relativistic electron avalanche production. The models can then be compared to the recorded data to further interpret the information received.

Poster file

Submit date: Feb. 26, 2021, 6:20 p.m.