Propagation effects on the electric field time derivatives generated by return strokes in lightning flashes

The effects of propagation over finitely conducting ground on the features of radiation component of the electric field time derivatives are investigated. The results show that the peak, the half-width and the risetime of the electric field time derivative change significantly in propagating over finitely conducting ground. Furthermore, any correlation that may exist between various parameters could also change significantly due to propagation effects. Consequently, in return stroke model validations using experimentally measured fields, remote sensing of return stroke current time derivatives using measured electric field time derivatives and in the calculation of induced voltages generated by lightning flashes in electrical installations the distortions caused by propagation effects on the electric field time derivatives cannot be neglected.