Three-dimensional data analysis of storm electrification datasets

Much prior thunderstorm electrification research uses one-dimensional analyses of vertical profiles of the thunderstorm electric field, often incorporating cloud-to-ground lighting strike data and radar reflectivity observations. New instrumentation has provided the opportunity to investigate thunderstorm electrification and lightning in greater spatial detail. We present a summary of three-dimensional (3-D) data analysis and display methods pertaining to storm research. Three-dimensional electric field vectors (measured by balloon sounding), total lighting mapping, and polarimetric radar observations are incorporated in an interactive 3-D display. It is shown that detailed, time-coherent consideration of these data in combination adds insight into details of thunderstorm properties. Relevant examples from storms during the 2003 and 2004 Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning Experiment (TELEX) field campaigns will be used to illustrate the analysis methodology, limitations, and benefits.