LIGHTNING RESEARCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.

A review is presented of the development of the lightning discharge from the initial stage of charge separation, through to the mechanisms of the discharge within a thundercloud and finally in its path to earth. The various lightning parameters are discussed together with the means whereby they have been or are being measured; these include the multiple stroke flash, the lightning current magnitude and its shape and the lightning flash density. Finally, the optimization of the protection of power and communication systems is discussed, as well as the application of lightning data to the philosophy of the protection of buildings and of people.