Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

Introduction:

This lesson describes the need for real-time lightning information and the capabilities of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), which will fly on the next-generation GOES-R satellites as the first operational lightning detector in geostationary orbit.This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundational Course for GOES-R.More in-depth discussions on the lightning flash cycle and lightning applications can be found in the COMET lesson, GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper.

Objectives:

• Describe the GLM’s benefits and capabilities
• Describe the main components of the cloud-to-ground lightning flash life cycle
• Differentiate between how lightning is observed by space-based and ground-based detection systems
• Outline the process of converting GLM observations to a lightning flash product
• Describe how GLM observations can help improve situational awareness and support severe weather warning decisions
• Explain how GLM observations can improve warnings of impending lightning hazards
• Highlight other applications that benefit from GLM observations

Training Session Options:

• MetEd Online Course