Investigation of Lightning Distribution Using LIS Data from TRMM Satellite

Abstract:

This paper presents an investigation on lightning distribution using Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) data from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite. The investigation is carried out on distribution and variability of total lightning occurred in the area of Washington DC (38.54°N, 77.2°W) during January to April 2011. LIS captures emissions that occurred in the atmosphere which emitted by lightning discharge by covering the most between ±35^o in latitude. The lightning distributions are characterized based on monthly, daily, hourly and seasonal basis. The maps of global distribution of lightning flashes have been used as initial data. This analysis shows that a total number of 3.5 million flashes were detected during four months observation. The highest number of flashes recorded in April is about 3.4 million flashes compared to the 3,993 flashes in January. In terms of seasonal, this observation show that the spring season during March and April has highest occurrence of lightning which is 53.2% compared to the winter season in January and February which only 46.8%. This study can provides expected variations of the lightning distribution on the diurnal and seasonal basis, thus make it useful in describing the Earth’s climate.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 695)
• Pages: 836-839
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.695.836
• Online since: November 2014
• Authors: Norbayah Yusop, Siti Hawa Zainal, Nor Azlan Mohd Aris, S.A.M. Chachuli, Mawarni Mohamed Yunus
• Keywords: Lightning Flashes, Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS), Mid Latitude, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)

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