Abstract: Lightning field experiment is an indispensable research methodology for scientifically understanding characteristics of lightning occurrence and physical processes, exploring the lightning disaster-causing mechanisms, and evaluating protection techniques for different objects under actual lightning strike conditions. Since 2006, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences and Guangzhou Institute of Tropical and Marine Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration (CMA) have been conducting the Guangdong Comprehensive Observing Experiment on Lightning Discharge (GCOELD) for 20 consecutive years. The Field Experiment Base on Lightning Sciences, CMA (CMA_FEBLS), is established, forming a comprehensive experimental platform integrating multiple functions such as artificially triggered lightning experiments, lightning protection technique tests, fine detection, and tall-object lightning observation.
249 flashes have been successfully triggered, and lightning strike tests have been carried out on various objects including automatic weather stations, telecommunication base stations, high-voltage transmission lines, wind turbines, and petroleum storage facilities. A dataset of lightning induction and protection tests has been established, providing key scientific data for in-depth research on lightning physical processes, understanding lightning disasters, and improving lightning protection technique.
Multi-band lightning locating techniques have been developed, which feature real-time and efficient locating capabilities for discharge activities of thunderstorms, as well as precise positioning capabilities for lightning channels. Through integrated analysis of precisely mapped lightning channels (both triggered and natural lightning), synchronized measurements of current, electromagnetic fields, and optical recordings, new insights have been gained into aspects such as the initiation and evolution mechanisms of lightning, the development and propagation of leaders, return strokes, and M-component discharges.
Additionally, the Tall-object Lightning Observatory in Guangzhou (TOLOG) has been established, accumulating a high-quality dataset of over 600 flashes occurring on super-tall buildings. The connecting behavior between the tip of negative leader and the lateral surface of positive leader during the attachment process was revealed for the first time, and two basic leader connection scenarios are inferred. Furthermore, quantitative data on characteristics such as the initial height, length and velocity of the upward leader initialed from structures of varying heights have been systematically obtained.