Abstract: Since its establishment, Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences (CAMS) has conducted long-term and continuous research on lightning. Systematic progress has been achieved in the construction of lightning research platforms, the development and application of lightning detection and locating technologies, artificially triggered lightning experiments and lightning protection testing, lightning observation and research on tall structures, studies on thunderstorm lightning activity, and the development and application of forecasting and nowcasting methods:
CAMS has established two ministerial-level innovation platforms-the Field Scientific Experiment Base and the Key Open Laboratory of China Meteorological Administration for Lightning Research. Internationally recognized facilities, such as the Guangzhou Experiment Site for Triggered Lightning and Testing, and the Tall-Object Lightning Observatory in Guangzhou (TOLOG), have also been constructed.
A variety of technical instruments have been independently developed, such as the low-frequency three-dimensional total lightning detection array, the very-high-frequency (VHF) broadband lightning interferometer, and the lightning channel optical imager. The multi-parameter synchronous observation of lightning have been conducted, and high-quality observational data for scientific research and operational services have been obtained.
The lightning strike mechanism and protection testing platform has been established, and artificially triggered lightning experiments are carried out. Lightning striking tests have been performed on various objects, including weather stations, communication base stations, high-voltage transmission lines, wind turbines, and oil tanks. The largest dataset for artificially triggered lightning experiments and the protection tests under real lightning conditions in China has been established, and the relevant results have promoted the development of lightning protection technology across multiple industries.
A distinctive, high-quality dataset featuring lightning on tall objects of varying heights and top shapes has been established, yielding new insights into connection behavior between different types of leaders, striking distance, and channel spectral characteristics.
The lightning research at CAMS has clarified the spatiotemporal distribution of lightning activity, polarity ratios, and their correlation with charge structures in mesoscale convective systems, severe thunderstorms, and tropical cyclones, explaining the mechanisms behind variations in lightning frequency and scale from both dynamic and microphysical perspectives.
By integrating artificial intelligence technologies, an integrated lightning nowcasting and short-term forecasting system has been developed. This system has been implemented in meteorological departments across multiple provinces and municipalities and provides specialized meteorological services for various industries.