cloud-to-ground flash

From Glossary of Meteorology
(Redirected from Cloud-to-ground discharge)
A lightning flash occurring between a charge center in the cloud and the ground.

On an annual basis, negative charge is lowered to the ground in about 95% of the flashes. The remaining flashes lower positive charge to the ground. This type of lightning flash, which can be contrasted with an intracloud flash or cloud flash, consists of one or more return strokes. The first stroke begins with a stepped leader followed by an intense return stroke that is the principal source of luminosity and charge transfer. Subsequent strokes begin with a dart leader followed by another return stroke. Most of the strokes use the same channel to ground. The time interval between strokes is typically 40 μs.


Copyright 2024 American Meteorological Society (AMS). For permission to reuse any portion of this work, please contact [email protected]. Any use of material in this work that is determined to be “fair use” under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 U.S. Code § 107) or that satisfies the conditions specified in Section 108 of the U.S.Copyright Act (17 USC § 108) does not require AMS’s permission. Republication, systematic reproduction, posting in electronic form, such as on a website or in a searchable database, or other uses of this material, except as exempted by the above statement, require written permission or a license from AMS. Additional details are provided in the AMS Copyright Policy statement.