RMI Seminar: Space-based lightning observations and their utility for nowcasting severe weather

You are cordially invited to a RMI seminar on Thursday, 30 March 2023 at 15:00 in the conference room.

Speakers: Dr. Felix ERDMANN
Title: Space-based lightning observations and their utility for nowcasting severe weather

Abstract: 

Atmospheric lightning is a form of natural electrical discharges. It can be triggered by the electrification of clouds where ice particles collide and gain charge. These processes need strong updrafts and turbulence as created by convection. Hence, lightning is closely linked to convection and can be used to locate convective cloud systems. The light emitted by lightning can be detected and mapped from space by new generation geostationary (GEO) satellite sensors (e.g., GLM on US GOES-R series satellites and the recently launched European MTG-LI). Long-time lightning records observed from space play a role in climate science as lightning appears to be a significant climate variable with its NOx emissions. The GEO perspective with almost full-disk coverage allows for observing a storm and its lightning activity continuous during the lifetime of the storm.
This seminar briefly introduces basics of cloud electrification, lightning processes, and lightning measurements. The second part presents the results of using abrupt increases in the lightning flash rate of a storm, so-called lightning jumps (LJs), in nowcasting of severe weather. LJs are correlated to the severe weather reports at the ground. Leadtimes for severe weather warnings from this method average 35 minutes. Skill scores like the Critical Success Index (CSI) show moderate success and indicate that LJs can provide additional value for weather warnings in certain situations.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82756474144?pwd=aGo2L21DaW04VVhjVlRUaGJGVUI4UT...
Meeting ID: 827 5647 4144
Passcode: 894544

 

Date: 

Thursday, March 30, 2023 - 15:00 to 16:00
 

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