Lightning Mapping Array flash detection performance with variable receiver thresholds.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric science
• Geophysics
• Lightning physics

Background:

• Lightning Mapping Arrays (LMAs) are crucial for observing lightning phenomena.
• Understanding LMA performance is vital for accurate lightning detection and analysis.
• Previous studies highlighted range-dependent performance, but detailed characterization is ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the performance of Lightning Mapping Array networks.
• To evaluate the impact of network configuration and thresholds on LMA performance.
• To provide open-source simulation tools for LMA performance analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Monte Carlo and curvature matrix model simulations.
• Incorporated receiver characteristics, source power distributions, and station triggering mechanics.
• Combined source/flash detection efficiency with solution bias and variability to predict flash area distortion.

Main Results:

• LMA performance, including location errors and detection efficiency, strongly depended on station configuration and thresholds.
• Flash area distortion increased with range, consistent with prior research.
• Predicted flash detection efficiency surpassed 95% within 100 km for all studied networks.

Conclusions:

• LMA performance exhibits significant variability across different networks and with azimuth.
• The developed simulation tools are adaptable for real-time operations and in-depth performance studies.
• Accurate lightning characterization requires careful consideration of network geometry and operational parameters.