A recently developed tracking algorithm is used to calculate the trajectories of the thunderstorms. The method uses a simple Gaussfilter and a selection procedure to define displacement vectors of the specific convective system. The change of the filter width results in a separation of the systems scale which allows to distinguish between the movement of a single convective cell and the whole cell complex. In principle the method is applicable to several data sources like satellite data, RADAR and lightning data. However, so far only results from lightning data will be presented.
In the paper the role of orography in relation to thunderstorms will be investigated in several respects. These includes: a) Connection of storm tracks to orography. Recent studies show a strong correlation between storm tracks and main Alpine valleys and the Alpine foreland. Are there differences between convective cells and cell complexes? b) Regions of initiation of thunderstorms triggered by mountains in the Alpine area. Since lightning data are continually available they are frequently the first indicator in space and time for the beginning of convection. Case studies will be presented for certain weather situations and c) possible enhancement of lightning frequency in the vicinity of mountain peaks.
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