Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

1. Total Lightning What it is and operational impacts Geoffrey T. Stano NASA SPoRT / ENSCO, Inc. Huntsville, Alabama GOES-R Brown Bag Seminar 25 June 2014 Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

2. Cloud-to-Ground versus Total Lightning • Cloud-to-ground observations are only a point source • Location where flash touches the ground • Does not observe the entire flash (Image by Tamworth) Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

3. Cloud-to-Ground versus Total Lightning • Total lightning observes both intra-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning • VHF for ground-based lightning mapping arrays • Optical for TRMM LIS and the GLM • Observes flashes that the National Lightning Detection Network cannot regularly observe • Majority of all lightning is intra-cloud (Image by Tamworth) Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

4. What is Total Lightning Total Lightning Intra-cloud AND cloud-to-ground Total Lightning Activity Cloud-to-Ground Strikes Inter-Cloud Flashes 31 Individual Storms from Central Florida

5. Importance of Total Lightning • Total Lightning • Observes intra-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning (1-2 min updates) • Physical Reasoning • Driven by updraft in mixed phase region (above -10°C isotherm) • Stronger, deeper updrafts • More lightning • Application • Increase in total lightning signifies strengthening updraft • Important for severe weather and lightning safety 1442 UTC Total Lightning 3.4° Reflectivity, ~20 kft 1450 UTC 1452 UTC

6. Lightning Mapping Arrays • Advantages • Spatial extent observations • High temporal resolution • Disadvantages • 240 km maximum radius • No national network planned SPoRT Collaborations Other existing or planned networks WFOs with total lightning access Washington D.C. Dugway Proving Ground Colorado Oklahoma North Alabama West Texas Atlanta Langmuir Laboratory Kennedy Space Center White Sands Houston Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

7. Preparing for the future GLM Domain for GOES-East or West Positions • Nowcast and Climate Applications in one sensor • Sub radar volume scan times • Full disc domain • Coverage in data sparse regions • Geostationary • 90% night AND day detection efficiency • 8-14 km resolution (nadir to edge) OTD + LIS lightning climatology (1995-2005) • http://www.goes-r.gov/spacesegment/glm.html Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

8. Operational Examples Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

9. Lightning Safety: First Cloud-to-Ground Strike • “First Strike” Forecasting • Majority is intra-cloud • Lead time for initial cloud-to-ground strike • First IC typically precedes first CG by 5-10 min • Aviation applications • Update TAFs • Airport Weather Warnings • Public service applications First IC to First CG Delay Number of Storms Time (min) Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

10. First Cloud-to-Ground Strike 21 Jan 2010 2200 UTC 5 and 10 mile rings for KHSV Developing cell with LMA sources Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

11. First Cloud-to-Ground Strike 2202 UTC Small intra-cloud flash Airport Weather Warning issued for KHSV Increasing Source Density No CGs detected Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

12. First Cloud-to-Ground Strike 2204 UTC Continued increase in source densities Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

13. First Cloud-to-Ground Strike 2206 UTC First CGs reported 5 min after NALMA detections Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

14. First Cloud-to-Ground Strike 2232 UTC First CG within 10 miles of airport Total lightning gave a 30 min lead time Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

15. Tornadic Event: Overview • North Alabama Overview • SPC Moderate Risk • Hatched tornado area • In warm sector • Moist southerly flow • Tds ≥ 62°F • Temperatures almost 70°F • Low level lapse rates • 5.5 to 6°C • CAPE: 550 (BMX) to 1200 (BNA) J/kg • ~400 m2/s2 SRH (0-1 km) • ~60 kt Effective bulk shear • Very favorable for tornado development Nashville

16. Initial Development ~200 Sources Source Density Several Cells Minimal Lightning Up from 20 sources Reflectivity 60+ dBZ Jump likely underway 1432 UTC 1444 UTC Correlation Coefficient No Other Standout Features Storm Relative Velocity Broad Rotation

17. The Lightning Jump 425 Sources: Lightning Jump (double since 1444 UTC) Source Density Core lightning still over 400 sources Reflectivity Note limited CG activity Strong reflectivity and tight couplet in storm relative velocity Radar has not updated yet 1446 UTC 1454 UTC Correlation Coefficient No major change in correlation coefficient Storm Relative Velocity

18. Tornado Touchdown Source Density Reflectivity Drop off in total lightning typical as severe weather occurs Minimal lightning as core has descended – Few CGs Very strong radar signatures 1510 UTC 1520 UTC Jump preceded tornado by 24 minutes Correlation Coefficient Tornado remains on ground and intensifying Debris signature Storm Relative Velocity

19. Tornadic Event Summary • Summary • Favorable storm environment • Total lightning coincided with radar in pointing out main cell • Lightning jump preceded definitive radar signature • Lead time of 24 minutes • No cloud-to-ground trend • Demonstrated large drop off as severe event evolved • Typical as storm core descends • Forecaster Quote • “… NALMA data from 1446 UTC made it clear that the storm was indeed strengthening.” • Favorable storm environment • Total lightning coincided with radar in pointing out main cell • Lightning jump preceded definitive radar signature • Lead time of 24 minutes • No cloud-to-ground trend • Demonstrated large drop off as severe event evolved • Typical as storm core descends • Forecaster Quote • “… NALMA data from 1446 UTC made it clear that the storm was indeed strengthening.” Velocity Couplet Touchdown Lightning Jump Debris Signature

20. Summary • Total Lightning: Observes both intra-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning • Not a point source – Good for lightning safety • Related to storm updraft strength • More total lightning = stronger updraft • Special case: Lightning Jump • Rapid increase over ~10 minutes • Usually precedes storm becoming severe • Rapid updates (~1 minute) • Improves situational awareness • Used in warning decision support • Geostationary Lightning Mapper (Future instrument) • Lightning Mapping Arrays are an opportunity • “Sneak peek” of GOES-R ability • Develop ways to fuse total lightning into operations Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

21. Questions? Dr. Geoffrey Stano: geoffrey.stano@nasa.gov NASA SPoRT web page: http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport/ Wide World of SPoRT blog: http://nasasport.wordpress.com/ Transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations