Extended Abstract (3.0M)P1.18
Analysis of Operational Data from the Lightning Detection and Warning System at Los Alamos National Laboratory
S. W. Eisenhawer, LANL, Los Alamos, NM; and T. F. Bott, C. R. Odom, and W. H. Beasley
Many outdoor experimental activities are performed at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the summer during the Southwest monsoon season. Localized convection cells develop on the up-slope of the mountains just west of the Laboratory and move eastward—producing frequent cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning. The probability of one or more lightning-producing storms in a day at one facility of interest is p = 0.75 during July and August. In 2001 a commercial Lightning Detection and Warning System (LDWS) became operational. The LDWS originally consisted of a satellite link to the National Lightning Detection Network, two electric field mills (EFMs), and a central alarm workstation. Additional EFMs have been added at five facilities, with more planned for the near future. In this paper we discuss the characteristics of thunderstorms at Los Alamos National Laboratory and experience with the LDWS and its impact on operational safety. We examine the performance of the EFM network to ascertain whether it may provide improved hazard-warning-decision support. We consider the development of EFM-based early warning algorithms and potential uses of the LDWS to provide warning information for the entire Laboratory (90 km2). Specific issues to be addressed include the potential for increased warning time for the first CG flash in a storm, improved recognition of the end of a storm, and the possibility of predicting a late CG flash after a period of time with no lightning.
Poster Session 1, Poster Session 1
Monday, 10 January 2005, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM
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