Lightning Near Cerro Chascon Abstract
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ALMA MEMO #487
Lightning Near Cerro Chascon
Seiichi Sakamoto (NAOJ) and Simon J. E.
Radford (NRAO)
2004-04-23
Keywords: site testing, lightning, safety
We present a preliminary analysis of the spatial and seasonal
lightning distribution near the Cerro Chascon science
preserve, probed with a space-borne imaging sensor and
ground-based storm detectors. The lightning flash rate in
this area is among the lowest in the world for comparable
latitudes. Thunderstorms only occur around 5 days per year.
Most observed lightning strikes occurred far to the east of
Cerro Chascon, in Bolivia and Argentina. Lightning was
detected primarily during the summer (December--March),
particularly in the afternoon and evening (UT = 16h-1h).
Morning (UT = 10h-14h) events were rare. There seem to be two
types of storms - heavy storms from the west, and milder, but
more common, storms from the east. No significant difference
was found between the strike rates at Pampa La Bola and at
Llano de Chajnantor.
View a pdf version of ALMA Memo #487.
