Research Applications for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper Operational Lightning Flash Data Product.

Area of Science:

• Atmospheric Science
• Meteorology
• Geophysics

Background:

• The Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) algorithm struggles with complex lightning flashes, leading to artificial splitting.
• Existing algorithms require improvements for accurate characterization of extreme lightning events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a technique for correcting anomalies in GLM lightning flash detection.
• To produce comprehensive statistics on lightning and thunderstorm characteristics across the Americas using reprocessed GLM data.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel technique to correct GLM algorithm anomalies for complex flashes.
• Applied the correction technique to 2018 GLM data, reclassifying lightning flashes and thunderstorm areas.
• Generated statistical analyses of flash characteristics, rates, and thunderstorm features.

Main Results:

• The reprocessed data revealed detailed characteristics of lightning flashes and thunderstorm areas across the Americas.
• Identified extreme flash events, including the longest (673 km), largest (114,997 km²), and longest-lasting (13.496 s).
• Documented high flash rate densities (e.g., 157 flashes/km²/year in Lake Maracaibo) and significant thunderstorm activity (e.g., 256 thunder days in Lloró, Colombia).

Conclusions:

• The developed technique significantly improves the accuracy of GLM lightning data, especially for complex events.
• Reprocessed GLM data provides valuable insights into lightning and thunderstorm climatology.
• A reprocessed GLM science product offers substantial value for meteorological research and applications.