Optical and Radio Perspectives on Lightning Flash Propagation
Abstract
A synthesis of satellite optical measurements and ground-based radio observations are used to examine the evolution of lightning flashes that propagate within the parent thunderstorm. Flashes that propagate over substantial horizontal distances that can exceed 300 km have been noted in the Lightning Mapping Array (LMA) literature and carry with them implications for lightning physics and the relationship between thunderstorm microphysical and dynamical processes and charging. Quite separately, propagating flashes have recently been identified in optical Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) observations that are similar to what will be provided by the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) on the upcoming GOES-R satellite. This study combines LIS and Northern Alabama LMA observations of propagating flashes to demonstrate the sensitivity of LIS observations to flash structure.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFMAE12A..08P
- Keywords:
-
- 3304 Atmospheric electricity;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3314 Convective processes;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3324 Lightning;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES