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Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS) IST PDS Unit 2 - Using Lightning Observations Instructional Components 2.2 and 2.3 - Lightning Detection Systems and Climatology Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity in the Contiguous United States from 1995-1997 Part I: Total Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity Contributors: Bard A. Zajac, Steve A. Rutledge, Anthony Mostek, Dan Bikos, and Brian Motta Lightning Links Alumni Info Contact Abstract The spatial and temporal distributions of cloud-to-ground lightning (CG) are examined over the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 1995–97 using data from the National Lightning Detection Network. Annual CG flash density, annual CG lightning days, cumulative frequency distributions of daily CG flash count, and annual and daily variations of CG lightning activity are documented over the CONUS at 100 km spatial resolution. Examination of total cloud-to-ground lightning activity (positive and negative polarity combined) reveals that local maxima in CG flash density and CG lightning days were collocated with elevated terrain in the western U.S., Gulf Coast, Florida peninsula, and the Gulf Stream. Cumulative frequency distributions of daily CG flash count indicate that a relatively large fraction of CG lightning was produced on a relatively few number of days with CG lightning; this behavior was consistent throughout the CONUS. Summertime (June–August) CG lightning activity produced the majority of cloud-to-ground lightning CONUS with the exceptions of the south-central U.S. and the Pacific Coast. During the cold season (October–March), most CG lightning activity occurred over the south-central and southeastern U.S. and Gulf Stream. Summertime CG lightning activity over the western and eastern U.S. exhibited a diurnal cycle with a well-defined time of maximum frequency occurring in the afternoon. Areas characterized by a strong diurnal cycle were collocated with elevated terrain in the western U.S. and coastlines along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Over the central U.S., summertime CG lightning activity was complex with significant longitudinal variations in daily activity and a tendency for nocturnal cloud-to-ground lightning. Training Session Options A.) The interactive VISITview training session. (To be used with a VISIT instructor leading the session ). Click here to signup for teletraining. The session will last 90 minutes. This teletraining session uses the VISITview software, where Windows PC (with 64 MB RAM or greater) with an Internet connection is needed.B.) Web-based training session - a "stand alone" version viewed via a Web browser, with embedded talking points included. This lesson version may be viewed at any time. These slides are ideal for printing from the web-browser, just print preview first to choose portrait or landscape mode. C.) Web-based Visitview session - This version uses the VISITview software within a Web browser, may be viewed at any time. It retains all the functionality of the VISITview software which you see in a "live" teletraining session. The talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser (or printed out beforehand). D.) local Visitview session - This is the same version of the lesson used in a "live" VISITview teletraining session, but no connection is made to an external VISITview server. You may download the file off this page and go through the lesson on your own in "local mode" by starting the "visitlocal.bat" file. Talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser ( or printed out beforehand). Session Goals I. Review lightning studies over the CONUS and CWAs of participating WFOs II. Discuss the operations and performance of the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) III. Examine the spatial, annual, and diurnal variations in cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activity over the CONUS and CWAs IV. Determine thunderstorm/lightning regime V. Develop foundation for Part II: Positive and Negative Polarity Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Activity IV. Provide context for lightning in AWIPS Talking points organized slide by slide Information contact: Bard Zajac zajac@cira.colostate.edu (970) 491-8562 Dan Lindsey lindsey@cira.colostate.edu (970) 491-8366 Dan Bikos bikos@cira.colostate.edu (970) 491-3777 |
