Lightning Observation in 3D Using a Multiple LF Sensor Network and Comparison with Radar Reflectivity

A three‐dimensional (3D) lightning mapper consisting of multiple low‐frequency (LF) sensors has been developed to monitor thunderstorms and to estimate their charge structure. We have been conducting an observation campaign using the 3D lightning mapper in Kansai, Japan, since October 2012. In this study, we determine 3D source locations of intracloud and cloud‐to‐ground flashes and compare them with the radar reflectivity estimated by phased‐array radar (PAR) with high temporal and spatial resolution. Most LF sources are located in high radar reflectivity regions, confirming that the 3D LF lightning mapper monitors thunderstorms. A lightning flash with heavy branches is clearly imaged. Based on the bidirectional leader theory that negative and positive ends of a lightning leader develop simultaneously, we estimate the positive and negative charge regions in a thundercloud from the LF source locations. The radar reflectivity estimated by PAR supports the charge structure estimated by LF source locations.