Lightning-Produced Nitrogen Oxides Per Flash Length Obtained by Using TROPOMI Observations and the Ebro Lightning Mapping Array

Lightning is one of the main sources of NOx in the Earth's atmosphere. However, there is a large variability in NOx production during the lifetime of thunderstorms. In this study, we used the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) cloud and NO2 research products along with Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) measurements to investigate the possible relation between the amount of NOx produced per lightning flash and flash channel length in the Ebro Valley. We found that there is a positive relationship between both variables. In turn, the vertical structure of the analyzed lightning flashes indicates that longer flashes could release more LNOx at lower altitudes than shorter flashes, while higher flash rates produce less LNOx per flash. Lightning produces significant amounts of NOx in the Earth's atmosphere. However, the quantity of NOx generated during thunderstorms exhibits significant variation. In this study, we used a space-based instrument called TROPOMI to look at clouds and measure NO2, and we also used a network of antennas called Lightning Mapping Array to map the spatial structure of lightning strikes. Our main goal was investigating if there is a connection between the amount of NOx produced by lightning and how long the lightning flashes were in the Ebro Valley. We found that there is a positive relationship between the two variables. We also looked at the structure of the lightning flashes and found that longer flashes release more NOx at lower altitudes compared to shorter flashes. Additionally, when there are more frequent lightning flashes, each flash produces less NOx. Lightning Mapping Array data reveals a positive correlation between lightning NOx production efficiency and the lightning flash lengthsThe investigation of space-based data demonstrates a negative correlation between lightning NOx production efficiency and flash frequencyMean NOx per flash length obtained in this work vary between 1.9 x 1021 and 3.8 x 1021 molec NOx/m

Automated summary

In this study, the possible relationship between the amount of NOx produced per lightning flash and flash channel length in the Ebro Valley was investigated using TROPOMI and LMA data. The results showed a positive relationship between the two variables. Additionally, it was found that longer lightning flashes release more NOx at lower altitudes.