Characteristics of return stroke currents of classical and altitude triggered lightning in GCOELD in China

The currents of 29 return strokes (RSs) involved in 10 classical triggered lightning flashes (TLFs) and an altitude TLF conducted in Guangdong, China from 2008 to 2011 are analyzed for the first time. They have relatively greater peak values (geometric mean (GM) of 16.07 kA), average rate of rise between 10 and 90% (S10–90%, GM of 29.16 kA μs− 1), charge transfer within 1 ms (Q1 ms, GM of 1.36 C) and action integral within 1 ms (AI1 ms, GM of 5.39 × 103 A2 s), compared with those reported in other studies. The current peak value exhibits pronounced exponential relation with S10–90% (determination coefficient (R2) = 0.43) and maximum rate of rise (R2 = 0.77), power relation with Q1 ms (R2 = 0.89), and logarithmic relation with AI1 ms (R2 = 0.93). Additionally, the discharges associated with the processes of initial-stage return strokes (ISRSs) involved in two altitude TLFs, with the peak currents of 10.09 kA and 9.03 kA, respectively, are investigated. Their peak, 10–90% risetime, average rate of rise between 10 and 90% and maximum rate of rise are comparable to those of the RSs. The chopped-shape pulses closely following the ISRSs and the pulses associated with the disintegration and reconnections of the wire's channel are also discussed.

► Currents of triggered lightning from GCOELD are first reported.
► Peak current of return strokes show much prominent relations with multiple parameters.
► Currents from altitude triggered lightning which were rarely reported are studied.