NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Collections About News Help Login
Back to Results
Recent Advancements in Lightning Jump Algorithm WorkIn the past year, the primary objectives were to show the usefulness of total lightning as compared to traditional cloud-to-ground (CG) networks, test the lightning jump algorithm configurations in other regions of the country, increase the number of thunderstorms within our thunderstorm database, and to pinpoint environments that could prove difficult for any lightning jump configuration. A total of 561 thunderstorms have been examined in the past year (409 non-severe, 152 severe) from four regions of the country (North Alabama, Washington D.C., High Plains of CO/KS, and Oklahoma). Results continue to indicate that the 2 lightning jump algorithm configuration holds the most promise in terms of prospective operational lightning jump algorithms, with a probability of detection (POD) at 81%, a false alarm rate (FAR) of 45%, a critical success index (CSI) of 49% and a Heidke Skill Score (HSS) of 0.66. The second best performing algorithm configuration was the Threshold 4 algorithm, which had a POD of 72%, FAR of 51%, a CSI of 41% and an HSS of 0.58. Because a more complex algorithm configuration shows the most promise in terms of prospective operational lightning jump algorithms, accurate thunderstorm cell tracking work must be undertaken to track lightning trends on an individual thunderstorm basis over time. While these numbers for the 2 configuration are impressive, the algorithm does have its weaknesses. Specifically, low-topped and tropical cyclone thunderstorm environments are present issues for the 2 lightning jump algorithm, because of the suppressed vertical depth impact on overall flash counts (i.e., a relative dearth in lightning). For example, in a sample of 120 thunderstorms from northern Alabama that contained 72 missed events by the 2 algorithm 36% of the misses were associated with these two environments (17 storms).
Document ID
20100026543
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Schultz, Christopher J. (Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Petersen, Walter A. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Carey, Lawrence D. (Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
June 7, 2010
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Report/Patent Number
M10-0737
M10-0724
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2010 NOAA STAR AWG/GO1S-RRR Review/NOAA
Location: Madison, WI
Country: United States
Start Date: June 7, 2010
End Date: June 11, 2010
Sponsors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administraion
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

Related Records

There are no records associated with this record.
No Preview Available