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Transitioning NASA Data and Research for Improved Lightning Applications

This presentation discusses the transition of unique NASA data and research technologies for improved lightning applications and their relevance to the Sixth Meeting of the Science Advisory Committee. It explores the improved situational awareness, at-a-glance analysis, and improved severe weather warnings provided by NASA's Lightning Mapping Arrays (LMA) and the GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) activities.

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Transitioning NASA Data and Research for Improved Lightning Applications

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  1. Total Lightning Applications Sixth Meeting of the Science Advisory Committee 28 February – 1 March 2012 National Space Science and Technology Center, Huntsville, AL transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  2. Relevance to SPoRT • Several LMAs operated by NASA • Improved situational awareness • “At a glance” analysis • See what storms may be intensifying • Improved severe weather warnings • Improves lightning safety • First cloud-to-ground strike lead time • Spatial extent of storms • Leverage expertise with other SPoRT activities • GOES-R GLM activities transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  3. Accomplishments • “Lightning is a major strength of SPoRT” – SAC 2009 • Partnered with Kennedy Space Center • Supports WFO Melbourne, Florida • Visits to NWS Eastern Region • Discuss expanded role with DCLMA • Training modules provided transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  4. Accomplishments • “Advocates should play a bigger role in training” – SAC 2009 • 8 operational examples provided by WFO partners in upcoming total lightning module • WFOs guiding new product development • “Partner with other NOAA/NWS testbeds” – SAC 2009 • Developing ties with AWC and SPC • Invitation to AWC’s Summer Experiment transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  5. 1922 UTC • Correlation between lightning production and storm updraft • Lightning linked to ice mass • Stronger updrafts = more lightning • Rapid increase in lightning means: • Rapidly intensifying updraft • Precursor to severe weather • Rapid increase is a lightning jump or surge Traditional Use 66 sources 1932 UTC 324 sources Severe hail several minutes later transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  6. Expanded Uses 2134 UTC 2133 UTC Flash Densities Reflectivity • SPoRT expanding uses • Possible from training and active feedback • End users fully integrate data • Discussions focus on new products and utilities 2103 – 2131 UTC Max Flash Density transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  7. Expanded Use Example: Safety! 1923 UTC 1849 UTC • Strong storms around Orlando • Separated charge aloft • Dissipated but anvils remain • Still charged 90 min later • Flash tapped into this charge 1923 UTC

  8. Average source height • Better core observation • Observe updraft strengthening • Still gives spatial data • Maximum height with time • Like the max flash density • Compare to instant product Development Example Max Source Height (30 min) Average Source Height transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  9. Development: Tracking Tool • WFO Huntsville heavily involved in a “lightning tracker” • Visualize a time series of lightning data transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  10. AWIPS II plug-ins (lightning jump) • Training for new products • Evaluation of new products • Stronger ties with DCLMA • Expansion to other networks • New web graphics • Melbourne case study project • Directly apply to GOES-R activities • Prepare for GLM era • Verify GLM observations • Operational model • Dual-pol radar (UAH) • White Sands Looking Forward transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

  11. Questions • E-mail • geoffrey.stano@nasa.gov • SPoRT Webpage • weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport • weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sportblog transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

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