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Article
Lightning activity as an indicator of climate change
Article first published online: 29 DEC 2006
DOI: 10.1002/qj.49712555507
Copyright © 1999 Royal Meteorological Society
Issue
1477-870X/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=75df9a494b4c87ede07cd71e1ebb66a5b767f487 "Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society")
Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Volume 125, Issue 555, pages 893–903, April 1999 Part A
Additional Information
How to Cite
Reeve, N. and Toumi, R. (1999), Lightning activity as an indicator of climate change. Q.J.R. Meteorol. Soc., 125: 893–903. doi: 10.1002/qj.49712555507
Publication History
- Issue published online: 29 DEC 2006
- Article first published online: 29 DEC 2006
- Manuscript Revised: 16 OCT 1998
- Manuscript Received: 29 JUN 1998
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Optical;
- Transient;
- Detector;
- Satellite observation
Abstract
Data from the Optical Transient Detector lightning sensor are analysed to investigate the hypothesis that global lightning activity will increase should the average global temperature increase. It is shown that changes in global monthly land lightning activity are well correlated with changes in global monthly land wet-bulb temperatures. the correlation is strongest in the northern hemisphere and weak in the southern hemisphere. the conclusion is that a high land-area to sea-area ratio is necessary for a good correlation. Contrary to expectation, the tropics show no correlation. the results predict that a change in the average land wet-bulb temperature of the globe of just 1K would result in a change in lightning activity of about 40%.