Z-M in lightning forecasting
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Authors
Machina, Alexia J.
Subjects
Advisors
Nuss, Wendell A.
Date of Issue
2009-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Frozen hydrometeors are required for a storm to produce lightning. Previous research has made strong correlations between ice mass and lightning flash rate and lightning flash density. This study attempted to correlate ice mass to lightning potential Operational interest is centered at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station/Kennedy Space Center where accurate weather forecasting is vital to mission requirements, resource protection, and personnel safety. Four pulse storms were chosen for the study: 2 June 2004, 26 June 2004, 6 June 2005, and 15 June 2005. These storms were known lightning producers. The ice mass of each storm was calculated using a new layered approach called Layered Vertically Integrated Frozen Content (LVIF). The LVIF technique uses radar reflectivity (Z) to calculate ice content (M) at six temperature layers between -10°C and -40°C, with each layer 5°C. This Z-M relationship was analyzed for lightning potential. The results indicate there is no correlation between LVIF and lightning potential.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xiv, 45 p. : ill. ;
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.