Recent Results on Science and Innovation Related to Electrical Processes of Thunderstorms

Abstract

Lightning is a highly energetic electric discharge process in our atmosphere, evolving in several complex stages. Lightning is recognized as an essential climate variable, as it affects the concentration of greenhouse gases. It also threatens electrical and electronic devices, in particular, on elevated structures like wind turbines, and it endangers aircraft built with modern composite materials with inherently low electric conductivity. During the past decades, our fundamental understanding of atmospheric electricity has continued to evolve. For example, during the past 30 years, discharge processes were discovered in the atmosphere above thunderstorms, the so-called transient luminous events (TLEs) in the stratosphere and mesosphere, and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs), accompanied with beams of photons, electrons and positrons, were observed from low orbiting satellites passing over thunderstorms. Lightning-like discharges also appear in plasma and high-voltage technology. The SAINT network was formed to bring the different research fields together. SAINT was the “Science And INnovation of Thunderstorms” Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network of the European Union Horizon 2020 program. From 2017 to 2021, 15 PhD students observed lightning processes from satellites and ground, developed models and conducted laboratory experiments. The project bridged between geophysical research, plasma technology and relevant industries. The paper presents a summary of the findings of the SAINT network collaboration.