Global Lightning Flash Climatology from Satellite Sensors

Global lightning flash rate climatology is derived from merged satellite sensor data. The dataset combines observations from the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on a 0.5-degree grid. It is produced by the GHRC DAAC, with the most recent metadata update noted in 2026, though a source also lists a 2014 date.

Use Cases

• Analyzing long-term spatial patterns of lightning flash density using the 0.5-degree gridded data.
• Comparing lightning activity in the tropics (from LIS) versus higher latitudes (from OTD).
• Studying seasonal or diurnal climatologies of total lightning rates.
• Validating lightning parameterizations in atmospheric and climate models with observed flash rates.
• Investigating relationships between lightning and other meteorological phenomena in specific regions.

Strengths

• Merges data from two dedicated satellite sensors, LIS and OTD, for broader coverage.
• Provides high-resolution climatology on a 0.5-degree geographic grid.
• Offers long-term records, with LIS data particularly robust in the tropics and subtropics.

Limitations

• Key technical details are unspecified, including row count, file size, and specific column names.
• Conflicting last updated dates exist between sources (2026-03-13 and 2014-12 31).
• High-latitude data relies solely on the OTD sensor record.

Provenance

Source

GHRC DAAC (Global Hydrology Resource Center Distributed Active Archive Center).

Collection Method

Gridded climatologies derived from optical lightning detection sensors on the OTD (Orbview-1) and LIS (TRMM satellite) missions.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-03-13 01:09:20.954067

Geography

Global, with merged data from LIS (equatorward of ~38 degrees) and OTD (higher latitudes).