Correction of the Current Peak Estimates Provided by Lightning Detection Networks for Lightning Return Strokes to Tall Towers

The peak current estimation of lightning detection networks for strikes to tall towers is discussed in this work. Such systems tend to overestimate the return stroke current peak for strikes to electrically tall towers. Two approaches to correct the current estimates of a lightning detection network for a lightning strike to a tall tower are discussed and applied to the current measurements obtained at the CN Tower in Toronto in the summer of 2005, for which estimates were available from the North American Lightning Detection Network (NALDN). It is shown that correcting the NALDN estimates using the so-called tower factor obtained from theoretical studies, results in an excellent estimation of lightning current peaks.