A Synoptic and Mesoscale Study of a Frequent Lightning Event.
Abstract
This thesis reviews synoptic and mesoscale features associated with the lightning flash distribution of a squall line and frontal system on the 13th and 14th of June, 1984. Thunderstorms on these days produced over 68,000 cloud-to-ground flashes from 13/13Z to 15/04Z. According to Orville (1985), these flashes represented about one-third of the world's average lightning for this time interval. Emphasis is placed on the squall line on the 13th since over 70% of the lightning flashes were associated with this feature. Synoptic and mesoscale analyses along with cloud-to-ground lightning data obtained from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNYA) Lightning Detection Network are used to document the conditions that created this unusual lightning event. Time and space distributions of the lightning data are examined in terms of flash polarity, stroke multiplicities, flash strengths, and geography. In addition, satellite infrared imagery is used in an attempt to determine a relationshiip between cloud heights and lightning.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158225
Entities
People
- J. P. Alleca
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology