[M-IS27] Atmospheric electricity: Atmospheric electricity and climate change

[MIS27-P03] Modeling Lower Ionospheric Perturbations during Heavy Precipitation Using 2D FDTD Method

*Antrisha Daneraici Setiawan¹, Yasuhide Hobara^1,2 (1.Department of Computer and Network Engineering, The University of Electro-Communication, 2.Center for Space Science and Radio Engineering, The University of Electro-Communication)

Keywords:Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling, Heavy Precipitation, VLF/LF Transmitter, FDTD

The relation between heavy precipitation and lightning has been previously studied with ground-based or satellite-based observation. In many cases, there was a peak of lightning frequency before the peak of precipitation intensity. The effect of the heavy precipitations associated with frequent lightning will be observed in the lower ionosphere by VLF transmitter signal perturbation. In this research, heavy precipitation events in Saitama Prefecture in July and August have been analyzed. There are two VLF transmitters (JJI and JJY) in Japan used in this research. Based on the VLF transmitter-receiver paths, the nearest paths affected by this event are those from JJI and JJY to CHO (Chofu) and MYK (Miyake Island) receivers. We also have analyzed the data of lightning activity, meteorological characteristics, and lower ionospheric responses by using VLF transmitter signals. We will present the lower ionospheric perturbations due to heavy precipitation in the atmosphere modeled by the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method with VLF signals propagating between the ionosphere and earth.