Training: ARSET - Introduction to Lightning Observations and Applications

Description

March 26, 28, and April 2, 2024

Session A: 11:00am to 12:30pm EST

Session B: 2:00pm to 3:30pm EST

It is well-documented that there are approximately 24,000 worldwide fatalities from lightning each year, with about 10 times more being injured from lightning (NIH-NCBI). In addition, lightning strikes are one of the leading causes of wildfire ignition. During storms, lightning strikes on trees, utility poles, and infrastructure, can damage power lines resulting in power outages. Lightning flashes also generate electromagnetic fields (Sferics) that interfere with electrical devices on ground. As the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events are likely to increase due to climate change impacts, lightning activity will likely increase as well, causing more power outages, increased risks of wildfire ignition, and increased numbers of injuries and fatalities. Therefore, information about lightning activity is critical for better preparedness against these disasters. This three-part, introductory training focuses on global and regional lightning data products that can be applied to disaster risk preparedness.

Objective

By the end of this training attendees will be able to:

• Identify common lightning causes, patterns, and potential for causing damage
• Identify how space- and ground-based lightning observations are used to monitor lightning frequency and intensity
• Identify resources for accessing lightning data products

Course Format

Three, 90-minute sessions

Sessions

Part 1: Background and History of Lightning Measurements

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

ARSET Trainer: Amita Mehta

Guest Instructors: Dr. Steven Goodman (Thunderbolt Global Analytics), NASA-GSFC

By the end of this session attendees will be able to:

• Identify why and how lightning occurs
• Identify global patterns of lightning and the potential for resulting damage
• Recognize the history of lightning measurements at NASA

Part 2: Overview of Current Lightning Data Products from Remote Sensing and Ground-Based Measurements

Thursday, March 28, 2024

ARSET Trainer: Amita Mehta

Guest Speakers: Dr. Timothy Lang, NASA-MSFC

By the end of this session attendees will be able to:

• Identify lightning data production methodologies for selected sensors
• Identify available lightning data products

Part 3: Overview of Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) Lightning Data Access and Applications

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

ARSET Trainer: Amita Mehta

Guest Instructors: Dr. Scott Rudlosky (NOAA), Dr. Christopher Schultz (NASA-MSFC)

By the end of this session attendees will be able to:

• Become familiar with Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM)
• Recognize impact of lightning on disaster risks

https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/get-involved/training/english/arset-introduction-lightning-observations-and-applications