Lightning electrical characteristics during tropical summer thunderstorm in North-East India

The preliminary results of observation of the lightning electrical characteristics during tropical summer thunderstorms locally known as Nor-Wester, at a hilly place in North-East India (23.50 degrees N, 91.25 degrees E) are reported here. Some distinct peaks are observed in the VLF range between 1.5 to 6kHz. Average cloud conductivity is found to be 8.12 x 10-S-10 m(-1). Specific characteristics of integrated field intensity of sferics (IFIS) at 14 and 17 kHz are also studied. Average enhancement of electrical activity during thunderstorms is found to be 170 dB kHz(-1) compared to the normal weather sferics intensity. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.