Thermodynamic-Aerosol Relationships of Thunderstorm Environments in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region

Bangkok, Thailand is a tropical asian megacity with high aerosol concentrations and frequent thunderstorm activity. This investigation examines relationships between thermodynamics, aerosols, and thunderstorms using lightning stroke counts as a metric of intensity. The investigation incorporates data from the aerosol robotic network (AERONET), ERA-5 reanalysis, ground-based air quality stations, and total lighting stroke data from Vaisala Inc.’s GLD360 network.

 

Results indicate that aerosol relationships with thunderstorm intensity are robust and, when examined in concert with instability, evidence suggests aerosols can augment lightning. Thermodynamic instability is also positively correlated with stroke counts in thunderstorms. Particulate matter (PM10) concentration is significantly higher in thunderstorms containing more than 100 strokes, supporting the potential role of aerosols in promoting non-inductive charge processes. The emergence of a “boomerang” effect appears as aerosol optical depth (AOD)  increases. Evidence suggests that higher AOD initially promotes, then limits, instability and thunderstorm intensity.