Z-M in lightning forecasting

View/ Open
Author
Machina, Alexia J.
Date
2009-03Advisor
Nuss, Wendell A.
Second Reader
Pfeiffer, Karl D.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.
Description
Approved for public release, distribution unlimited
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Climate analysis of lightning launch commit criteria for Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Muller, Eric C. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2010-03);We have conducted climate analyses of natural lightning activity at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (KSC/CCAFS). These analyses were conducted to improve forecasts of lightning related hazards ... -
Optimization of lightning warning areas at Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center
Ceschini, Erin M. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2013-06);Lightning is the primary weather hazard to spaceflight operations. At CCAFS/KSC, there are 13 individual lightning warning circles centered on locations with considerable outdoor operational activity. Reducing the number ... -
Optimization and statistical evaluation of GOES cloud-top properties for nowcasting lightning initiation
Harris, Ryan J. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2010-03);A cumulus cloud field may develop within a conditionally unstable environment, but only a fraction of the cumulus elements eventually develop into thunderstorms. Determining which of these convective elements is most likely ...