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Positive cloud-ground lightning is considerably more complex and less studied compared to the negative lightning. This paper aims to measure and characterize the significant parameters of positive return strokes electric field, namely, the zero-to-peak rise time, 10–90% rise time, slow front duration, fast transition rise time (10–90%), zero-crossing time, and opposite polarity overshoot relative to peak. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time such detailed characteristics of positive lightning in Malaysia are thoroughly analyzed. A total of 41 positive lightning flashes containing 48 return strokes were analyzed. The average multiplicity is 1.2 strokes per flash. The majority of positive lightning was initiated from the primary positive charge rather than as a byproduct of in-cloud discharges. The cumulative probability distribution of rise time parameters, opposite polarity overshoot relative to peak, and slow front amplitude relative to peak are presented. A comparison between studies in four countries representing tropic, subtropic, and temperate regions was also carried out. Measured parameters in Florida, Sweden, and Japan are generally lower than those in Malaysia. Positive lightning occurrences in tropical regions should be further studied and analyzed to improve our current understanding on positive return strokes.

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Lightning is an electrical discharge during storms that can be monitored continuously from certain distances. It can be either within clouds (intra cloud), or between clouds and the ground (cloud-ground). There are various techniques used nowadays to locate lightning, and to determine various parameters produced from lightning. Each technique provides its own claimed performances. This paper attempts to provide instantaneous detection of lightning strike lightning location using the Time of Arrival (TOA) method of a single detection station (comprises of four antennas). It also models the whole detection system using suitable mathematical equations so as to give some understanding on the differences between the measured and calculated (theoretical) results. The measurement system is based on the application of mathematical and geometrical formulas. Several parameters such as the distance from the radiation source to the station and the lightning path are significant in influencing the accuracy of the results (elevation and azimuth angles). The role of each parameter is examined in detail using Matlab. This study solved the resultant non-linear equations by Newton-Raphson techniques. Methods to determine the radiation source which include the exact coordinate of a given radiation source in 3-dimensions were also developed. Further clarifications on the cause of errors in the single-station TOA method and techniques to reduce the errors are given.