Lightning Observation System by Measuring Current Flowing through the Grounding Conductor on Mt. Fuji

Abstract

Lightning observation system was developed by measuring the current flowing through the grounding conductor connected to the foot of the Mt. Fuji from the summit. From the current measurement, the type of lightning and leader was identified such as negative cloud-to-ground lightning striking into the weather station, upward leader lightning, and stepped leader. The paper showed the mechanism of these current generation. It was found that the observation system was an effective measuring system for lightning including leader and the electrostatic due to the thunderstorm approach.