Use of the Speed of Sound for Heights Below the Troposphere in Colombia to Determine the Distance of Lightning Strikes

Abstract Objective: This paper aims to conduct a study of the speed of sound in Colombia for heights below the troposphere, taking into account the temperature as a function of altitude for a tropical zone, in order to determine the distance of lightning strike. Methodology: A speed of sound profile for Colombia was determined by analyzing data on altitude, temperature, and relative humidity in the country. The temperature equation as a function of altitude presented by NASA and the International Standard Atmosphere was taken into account to compare with the data obtained from meteorological stations located in different parts of the country (this stations measure information of temperature and other physical variables). Additionally, a sound profile map of Colombia was obtained using the interpolation in ArcGIS software. Results: A map of the speed of sound in Colombia was obtained, thus finding the speed range in the country. Likewise, the temperature was determined as function of the altitude for Colombia (a country in the tropical zone), with which it is possible to have data closer to the real speed of sound in the place and determinate the distance of impact of a lighting in land. Conclusions: The study of variables such as temperature, relative humidity, and altitude helped determine the speed of sound for Colombia. It was also possible to define a temperature equation as a function of altitude for a tropical country; with the speed of sound, the radius of impact of a lightning can be found.