Positive CCs and ICs

[Another Kent clipper]

Hey there.  I have one of many questions:

Is there any visible difference between negative and positive CCs and ICs?

The reason I'm curious is because of the obvious distinction between positive 'super' bolts from the blue and negative CGs

 

Also, do elevated thunderstorms have any notable characteristics vs surface based?

[Andy Bown]

Elevated storms can produce non stop strobe like lightning (which can be seen from well over 100 miles away) and spectacular 'anvil crawlers' as much of the SW experienced on the night of 26th to 27th May.

As far as I know surface based storms don't do that although they are more prone to frequent CG lightning.

[Another Kent clipper]

35 minutes ago, Andy Bown said:

Elevated storms can produce non stop strobe like lightning (which can be seen from well over 100 miles away) and spectacular 'anvil crawlers' as much of the SW experienced on the night of 26th to 27th May.

As far as I know surface based storms don't do that although they are more prone to frequent CG lightning.

Thankyou.  That does make sense about the anvil crawlers

[Another Kent clipper]

Well upon the failed pursuit of a storm last Friday it became obvious to me the difference between a  -IC / CC and +IC / CC.  A big long horizontal fork thing shot across the sky and the shotgun thunder that came afterwards was not a surprise.