A model to represent negative and positive lightning first strokes with connecting leaders

A channel base current model of the current generation (CG) type is introduced to describe both negative and positive first return strokes. The key feature of the model is the association of the slow front of the channel base current waveform with the upward connecting leader. This feature is mathematically represented by a discharge propagation speed profile, which is characterized by an initial exponential increase with increasing height. It is shown that the previous models of the CG type may be incapable of reproducing adequately the observed electromagnetic fields when the channel base current contains a slow front.