Lightning Training Resources

GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper

GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper: This extension of the COMET module "GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring" focuses on the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument. GLM provides continuous lightning measurements over a large portion of the Western Hemisphere, mapping total lightning (intra-cloud and cloud–to–ground) flash rates and trends. This module is also available in Spanish.

GOES-R Series Faculty Virtual Course: Geostationary Lightning Mapper

GOES-R Series Faculty Virtual Course: Geostationary Lightning Mapper: This course is part of a webinar series to provide university faculty and others with a solid basis for using GOES-R/16 data in coursework and student research projects. This module highlights the capabilities of the GOES-R/16 Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) in both operational and research applications and how the GLM differs from land-based lightning detection.

GOES-16 GLM Case Exercise: Buenos Aires Tornado and Hail Event

GOES-16 GLM Case Exercise: Buenos Aires Tornado and Hail Event: The GLM's continuous lightning monitoring capability is a valuable asset to detecting and monitoring developing thunderstorms 24 hours a day. This 30 minute lesson introduces learners to the benefits of using Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) observations in assessing convection. Learners will explore a severe weather event near Buenos Aires, Argentina, and practice using GLM observations to determine initial convection, supplement other data tools in estimating tendencies in storm strength, and evaluate the potential for severe weather.

GLM Applications Overview

GLM Applications Overview: This micro-lesson for the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) provides an initial introduction to the utility of the flash extent density product that shows the number of flashes per grid box per minute. Three main applications are discussed that include physical reasoning behind GLM observations, using flash extent for decision support, and applying the product for lightning safety.

GLM Flash Extent Density use in an Airport Weather Warning

GLM Flash Extent Density use in an Airport Weather Warning: This micro-lession highlights the use f the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) Flash Extent Density product during an operational use to produce an airport weather warning.

GLM and Ground Networks: Basics of Observations, Advantages, and Parallax

GLM and Ground Networks: Basics of Observations, Advantages, and Parallax: This micro-lesson discusses the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) with the available ground networks to detect lightning. GLM detects total lightning and is visualized quite differently from the ground networks. This will be illustrated through several examples. The lesson includes a basic inter-comparison of the GLM and the ground networks, strengths of each respective system, and parallax of the GLM.

Lightning provides advanced lead time for tornado event

Lightning provides advanced lead time for tornado event: Total lightning trends provide a proxy to storm stage and a “jump” in activity can be a precursor to severe weather. This case demonstrates the application of total lightning source density (similar to ‘events’ from GLM) along with radar data to anticipate severe weather, which resulted in a tornado event.

Lightning Operational Uses: Severe Weather

Lightning Operational Uses: Severe Weather: This is a follow-up to the Total Lightning Training: Part 1 module and assumes a basic knowledge of total lightning. This sub-section focuses on the most common use of total lightning; severe weather decision support. This module focuses on the use of lightning jumps for three different events. These include a severe wind and hail event as well as a tornadic event. The full module includes the safety and additional scenarios sub-sections.

Lightning Training: Part 1

Lightning Training: Part 1: This module introduces the user to total lightning and the source density product provided by NASA SPoRT.

WRF Model Lightning Forecast Algorithm (LFA)

WRF Model Lightning Forecast Algorithm (LFA): This tutorial provides background information on the development, calibration, and application of the lightning forecast algorithm (LFA), as implemented into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical weather prediction model. The LFA is a demonstration product for use in the GOES-R Proving Ground to develop model proxy fields of total lightning that could be used in future data assimilation applications of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper.