Estimation of charge distribution of individual lightning discharges by VHF broadband Interferometer

We propose a new method of the estimation for the amount of charges neutralized by individual lightning flashes by means of three-dimensional (3D) VHF source images and associated electric field change measured on the ground. In this method, we assume that the VHF sources correspond to charge transfer of each breakdown. We examine 3D VHF images recorded in Darwin, Australia and estimate the amount of charge neutralized by individual lightning discharges. One hundred and eight cloud discharges are recorded for about 40 minutes in one thundercloud. The total amount of charge neutralized in the thundercloud is estimated 4056C. The geometric and arithmetic means for one flash are 23.8C and 37.6C respectively.