Study on Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Lightning on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in Summer 2019-2023
Online published: 2025-04-29
The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,due to its high altitude,exhibits unique lightning and convective activity compared to lower-altitude regions. Using the ‘Group’data from the Lightning Mapping Imager(LMI)on the Fengyun-4A satellite,a statistical analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning activity on the plateau was conducted for the summers(June to August)from 2019 to 2023. The results reveal significant geographical variations in lightning frequency across the Plateau,with high-frequency areas predominantly located in the eastern,central(north of the Himalayas,in and around the city of Nagqu),and southern(south of Shannan and Linzhi)regions. In terms of temporal distribution,lightning activity is most prevalent in June and July. Specifically,June sees concentrated lightning activity in the eastern and southern regions,while July experiences an in‐ crease in the central region and a shift of activity in the eastern region towards the southeast and northeast. By Au‐ gust,lightning activity decreases in the eastern region but increases in the southern and central regions. Regarding the daily distribution,the evening and night hours[18:00(Beijing Time,same as after)to 03:00 the next day]are identified as the peak periods for lightning activity on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. During the daytime, the intensity of lightning radiation exhibits a 'double-peak' characteristic,frequently exceeding 400 μJ∙m-2∙ster-1. Conversely,at night,the intensity of lightning radiation generally follows a 'single-peak' pattern,usually remaining below 400 μJ∙m-2∙ster-1. Notably,the intensity of lightning radiation is significantly higher during the day than at night. Most lightning events recorded were less than 100 μJ∙m-2∙ster-1,with a five-year average of 67. 13%. In terms of daily trends,lightning activity in the central and eastern parts of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau shows similar patterns,with peaks occurring around 20:00-21:00 and 02:00 hours. In contrast,the southern part of the Plateau experiences peak activity around 05:00-06:00 hours. The highest lightning activity across all three regions was observed in July,with the southern region displaying more activity in August compared to June and July,unlike the central and eastern regions. This study reveals the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning activity on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,providing a scientific basis for better understanding climate change and disaster prevention in the region.
AN Jianghao, CHEN Sheng, HU Zeyong . Study on Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Lightning on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in Summer 2019-2023 [J]. Plateau Meteorology, 0 : 1 . DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-0534.2025.00039
/
〈 |
|
〉 |