Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Atmospheric and Earth Science
Committee Chair
Lawrence Carey
Committee Member
Philip Bitzer
Committee Member
Thomas Walker
Research Advisor
Sarah Stough
Subject(s)
Convection (Meteorology), Lightning, Atmospheric electricity, Remote sensing
Abstract
Lightning observations provide valuable insight into convective intensity, storm structure, and microphysical processes. Much of the current understanding of lightning-convection relationships is derived from ground-based very high frequency (VHF) measurements, while space-based optical observations remain comparatively new. This study investigates how storm charge structure and microphysics influence observed optical lightning emissions using coordinated observations from the 2017 GOES-R Post Launch Test campaign. Optical measurements from the Fly’s Eye Geostationary Lightning Mapper Simulator were combined with Lightning Mapping Array observations for ordinary multicell storms exhibiting a normal charge structure on 18 April 2017 and a supercell exhibiting an anomalous charge structure (ACS) on 22 April 2017. Comparisons show that ACS flashes produced weaker optical radiance despite occurring closer to cloud top and exhibiting larger VHF flash structures. However, radar inferred precipitation-sized ice mass associated with ACS flashes suggests that enhanced attenuation from mixed-phase hydrometeors within the anomalous supercells reduced lightning emissions escaping to cloud top.
Recommended Citation
Wheeler, Kaitlyn, "Influences of charge structure and storm microphysics on the relationship between optical and VHF lightning observations" (2026). Theses. 849.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/849