Predicting Lightning Events in the KSC Area: A Feasibility Study Using Single Station Data
Abstract
Surface observations and early-morning radiosonde measurements, taken on a regular daily basis in the KSC area during a late summer period, were scrutinized in an effort to form a correlation with subsequent lightning-related activity. Wind directions were the only measurements that could be directly associated. This study revealed that lightning activity, other than that associated with large-scale storm systems, developed in the 12-hr period following the morning radiosonde when both surface and upper-air (averaged between the 600-800 mb pressure levels) winds had directions that brought air off the ocean and moved it over lands towards KSC. The most basic explanation is the advection of oceanic water vapor, the elevation of the moisture through convergence and the transport of that moisture to KSC by upper-air winds. This premise was supported by the evidence of days having no lightning activity, presumably caused by the lack of advection and/or convergence or from elevated moisture being carried away from KSC. This investigation concludes that there is a good probability that the occurrence of daytime-lightning-related activity, local to the general KSC area, may be predicted from knowledge of the late-night to early-morning surface and upper wind directions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 08, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA271440
Entities
People
- Robert O. Berthel
Organizations
- Phillips Laboratory