Imaging Thunderclouds with the Geostationary Lightning Mapper

Abstract:

Optical space-based lightning sensors including the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) do not directly measure lightning. Instead, they measure transient changes in cloud illumination caused by the optical emissions produced by lightning. The optical signals that make it to these space-based instruments contain information about the transmitting cloud medium as well as the lightning source.

This presentation uses optical lightning measurements to examine how thunderclouds are illuminated by lightning. Cloud features that are evident in the lightning data are described. Modifications to the lightning signals by thunderclouds also impact instrument performance for detecting lightning (both location accuracy and detection efficiency). These impacts are also discussed.