Study on Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Lightning on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in Summer 2019-2023 

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  • 1. Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil EngineeringNorthwest Institute of Eco-Environment and ResourcesChinese Academy of SciencesLanzhou 730000GansuChina
    2. Nagqu Plateau Climate and Environment Observation and Research Station of Tibet Autonomous RegionNorthwest Institute of Eco-Environment and ResourcesChinese Academy of SciencesNagqu 852000XizangChina
    3. University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing 100049China

Online published: 2025-04-29

Abstract

The Qinghai-Xizang Plateaudue to its high altitudeexhibits unique lightning and convective activity compared to lower-altitude regions. Using the ‘Group’data from the Lightning Mapping ImagerLMIon the Fengyun-4A satellitea statistical analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning activity on the plateau was conducted for the summersJune to Augustfrom 2019 to 2023. The results reveal significant geographical variations in lightning frequency across the Plateauwith high-frequency areas predominantly located in the easterncentralnorth of the Himalayasin and around the city of Nagqu),and southernsouth of Shannan and Linzhiregions. In terms of temporal distributionlightning activity is most prevalent in June and July. SpecificallyJune sees concentrated lightning activity in the eastern and southern regionswhile 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‐ gustlightning activity decreases in the eastern region but increases in the southern and central regions. Regarding the daily distributionthe evening and night hours18:00Beijing Timesame as afterto 03:00 the next dayare identified as the peak periods for lightning activity on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. During the daytimethe intensity of lightning radiation exhibits a 'double-peak' characteristicfrequently exceeding 400 μJ∙m-2∙ster-1. Converselyat nightthe intensity of lightning radiation generally follows a 'single-peak' patternusually remaining below 400 μJ∙m-2∙ster-1. Notablythe 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-1with a five-year average of 67. 13%. In terms of daily trendslightning activity in the central and eastern parts of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau shows similar patternswith peaks occurring around 20:00-21:00 and 02:00 hours. In contrastthe 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 Julywith the southern region displaying more activity in August compared to June and Julyunlike the central and eastern regions. This study reveals the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning activity on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateauproviding a scientific basis for better understanding climate change and disaster prevention in the region.

Cite this article

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

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