A lightning parameterization for numerical cloud models

Abstract A new lightning parameterization has been developed to enable cloud models to simulate the location and structure of individual lightning flashes more realistically. To do this, three aspects of previous parameterizations have been modified: 1) To account for subgrid-scale variations, the initiation point is chosen randomly from among grid points at which the electric field magnitude is above a threshold value, instead of being assigned always to the grid point having the maximum electric field magnitude. 2) The threshold value for initiation can either be constant, as in previous parameterizations, or can vary with height to allow different flash initiation hypotheses to be tested. 3) Instead of stopping at larger ambient electric field magnitudes, extensive flash development can continue in regions having a weak ambient electric field but a substantial charge density. This behavior is based on lightning observations and conceptual models of lightning physics. However, like previous parameteriza...

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