A Review of the Physics of Lightning in a Polluted Atmosphere: How It Works, What We See, and What It Does

Abstract: Aerosols made by people have a big effect on how thunderstorms move and how lightning strikes. This review tries to bring together what we know about how pollution in the air, notably aerosol concentrations, changes how lightning starts and spreads through physical processes like convective invigoration, cloud microphysics, charge separation dynamics, and radiative impacts. We look at how polluted environments affect lightning activity based on aerosol regimes and weather conditions. We do this by looking at observational research, numerical simulations (like WRF-ELEC), and theoretical models. We look at documented links between urban megacities, shipping routes, and areas where biomass is burned. Finally, we talk about the effects of lightning on the environment and climate, such as how it affects the generation of nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) in the area. We also point out gaps in our knowledge and suggest areas for future research in atmospheric physics.