Time Evolution of Satellite‐Based Optical Properties in Lightning Flashes, and its Impact on GLM Flash Detection

Abstract

The GOES‐16 Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) detection efficiency (DE) is studied over a full year (2018/19) in central Florida using the Kennedy Space Center Lightning Mapping Array (KSC LMA). Mean daily flash DE was 73.8%, and detection was highest during nighttime hours. GLM reported 86.5% of the LMA flashes that had coincident cloud‐to‐ground return strokes reported by the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network. Results also reveal that flash size and duration are critical parameters influencing GLM detection, regardless of the storm type, with 20–40% detection for small and short‐duration flashes and greater than 95% detection for very large and long‐duration flashes.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 22, 2020
Source ID
10.1029/2019jd032024

Entities

People

  • Daile Zhang
  • Kenneth L. Cummins

Organizations

  • Marshall Space Flight Center
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Maryland

Tags

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Optical Fiber Sensing and Electromagnetic Propagation.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects