Analysis of the altitude of the isotherns and the electrical charge for flashes that struck the Gaisberg Tower

Abstract

The features of lightning flashes occurring on tall structures can give some valuable information about their initiation, especially the cases of upward flashes for lightning protection of tall structures such as wind-turbines. More than 300 flashes which struck the Gaisberg tower (Austria) have been analyzed in order to investigate differences in occurrence conditions between winter and summer. More flashes struck the tower in winter unlike the Austrian lightning activity is much lower during this season. These winter flashes deposit to ground more electrical charge than summer ones. The median values of the -10 ºC isotherm altitudes during winter are 2-km lower than during summer. This difference would produce stronger electric fields at ground level which could favor the triggering of upward flashes.