Electromagnetic models of lightning

Reviewed here are models based on Marxwellpsilas equations and referred to as electromagnetic models. In contrast to distributed-circuit and so-called engineering models, electromagnetic models of lightning allow a self-consistent full-wave solution for both current distribution along the lightning channel and associated electromagnetic fields. The emphasis is placed on the representation of lightning channel in different models, including a vertical wire in air, a vertical wire embedded in dielectric (other than air) that occupies the entire half space above flat ground, a vertical wire embedded in a finite thickness dielectric surrounded by air, and a vertical wire having additional distributed series inductance in air. Current distributions along the channel predicted by different models are compared.