Localized Effects of Hurricane Michael (2018) on Total Electron Content
Abstract
Understanding the connection between terrestrial and space environments is an emerging field of study that can significantly improve different aspects of operational weather forecasting. In particular, it is well known that tropical cyclones (TCs) and thunderstorms can initiate gravity waves that generate fluctuations in the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere. These perturbations can deteriorate and delay the transmission of high-frequency (HF)communications used in emergency services, amateur radio, and aviation, for example. This study investigates changes in TEC according to the number of lightning ashes and the rainfall rates associated with Hurricane Michael (2018). A composite analysis is performed using the GOES Geostationary Lightning Mapper, NCEP Stage IV Precipitation, and MIT Haystack's GPS TEC data sets to characterize the influence of lightning on the ionosphere at Hurricane Michael's peak intensity on 10 October 2018. The techniques developed in this study have the potential to improve forecasting of tropical cyclogenesis, TC intensification, and the discrimination between naturogenic and anthropogenic phenomena impacts on the ionosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1101483
Entities
People
- Joanna E Williams
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology