The objective of this research is the investigation of characteristics of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning in High Plains thunderstorms during the North Dakota Thunderstorm Project, scheduled for the summer of 1989. Professor Helsdon will use existing direction finders to obtain data on the time, location, stroke multiplicity, polarity, and signal strength of the CG lightning. A graphics display system will be developed to analyze the lightning positions with respect to satellite and radar data. Lightning locations with respect to radar and satellite image features will be analyzed and compared with previous results from other regions of the country. The relationship between feeder cell evolution and CG lightning characteristics will be investigated and the effects of hail episodes on lightning characteristics will be analyzed. Finally, a test for the effects of glaciogenic seeding of CG lightning will be made.
