Sensing of parameters of lightning discharges on the South of the European part of Russia

The mechanisms of dangerous effects of lightning discharges are investigated in the paper. Analysis of electrical parameters of thunderstorm discharges in the atmosphere using the data of geophysical monitoring center of the High- Mountain Geophysical Institute (Nalchik, Russia), which includes a network of automatic lightning sensors LS8000 were fulfilled. The results of the ground discharges registration and the time of their increase received during its operation are analyzed. The authors determined the statistical distribution of the amplitude of the lightning current. It is found that the parameters of the discharges in different areas are varies in a great range and can change over time. The effective operation of lightning protection systems and the implementation of life safety measures in case of thunderstorms requires monitoring of the lightning discharge situation in each region.