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The Evolution and Structure of Extreme Optical Lightning Flashes.
Michael Peterson1, Scott Rudlosky2, Wiebke Deierling3,4
1Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center/Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Atmospheres : JGR
|March 13, 2018
Summary
Extreme optical lightning flashes were analyzed using the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). LIS data reveal flash morphology, motion, and radiant properties, complementing ground-based systems for lightning research.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science
- Geophysics
- Remote sensing
Background:
- Optical lightning observations provide insights into flash characteristics.
- The Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) offers a unique perspective on lightning phenomena from space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the composition, morphology, and motion of extreme optical lightning flashes.
- To analyze the spatial and temporal scales of lightning events.
- To discuss factors influencing optical measurements of lightning.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS).
- Quantification of flash extent, branching, duration, and radiance.
- Comparison of LIS observations with ground-based lightning locating systems.
Main Results:
- Observed extreme flash separations up to 135 km and illuminated areas of 10,604 km².
- Recorded flashes with up to 234 branches and durations up to 7.4 seconds.
- Identified a "superbolt" 735 times more radiant than average LIS groups.
Conclusions:
- LIS effectively captures horizontal lightning development, though cloud radiative transfer limits measurements.
- Space-based lightning imagers like LIS and Geostationary Lightning Mapper complement ground-based systems.
- These tools enhance the study of physical lightning phenomena over large areas.
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