Description:

This session invites abstracts on lightning data analyses that investigate clouds that aren't actively producing lightning, but could become a triggered lightning hazard when an aviation, range, or aerospace vehicle passes through the cloud. Analyses that explore cloud electrification within benign looking clouds or clouds with no elevated surface electric fields are of interest, in particular stratiform clouds and thick cloud layers. Also of interest is the dispersion of electrical charges between physically connected clouds and the potential hazard that a cloud which is actively producing lightning, or contains characteristics that would suggest the cloud is electrified, has on non-electrified clouds that are miles to hundreds of miles away.  This could include cumulus clouds that are embedded in a broad cloud shield or a smoke plume from an active fire that is embedded within a marine layer.  Analyses of lightning data, electric fields, and radar in varying types of active and inactive clouds may expose key relationships about cloud charging mechanisms that can be applied to an operational setting in order to provide more availability for flight, while maintaining safety to the vehicle, payload, and public.