Relationships between radar reflectivity and initial lightning activity of both IC and CG lightning have been determined for the 14 cases studied here. Figure 3 (below) is a summary of the results. It shows these relationships and determines if a storm studied here produced lightning. If it did produce lightning, it shows the breakdown between those that went on to produce CG strikes. Whether the lightning was positive or negative or switch in polarity can also be determined. More cases should be studied in order to obtain representative results. The results shown here seem consistent with the theory stated in Dye et. al.'s, 1986 that collisions between ice particles contribute to storm electrification.
Since radar and lightning data were collected in STEPS, lightning and improved tornado forecasts may be achievable in the near future. Lightning activity is important and should be investigated thoroughly in order to prevent the damages and fatalities associated with it. Time constraints prevented deeper analysis of these storms, or similar analyses of more storms seen during the field project. Research in this area should continue in order to gain understanding of storms on the High Plains.
Figure 3: Summary of results
This work was done under the auspices of the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science program of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, with funding from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. SOARS is a registered trademark of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.