Evaluation of the lightning detection networks efficiency over Vale do Paraíba region

• Grant number: 15/17254-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2015
• End date: October 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geophysics
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Varela Saraiva
• Grantee: Gabriela Santos Cardozo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is covered by national and global lightning detection networks that use different technologies. Independently of the lightning detection network, there is always some kind of error associated to the signal acquisition or their processing. This entails, for example, in the loss of some return strokes. There are factors that are usually associated with this kind of errors. Among them we can include: gain of the sensors; local noise; distance between sensors. The estimated stroke location can also suffer errors due to these factors. Determining the detection efficiency of the networks allows the creation of data correction strategies, in such a way that the results provided represent the reality reliably. The best way to evaluate the efficiency of a network is from the actual information where and when lightning happened, and its intensity. Because this information is difficult to obtain, the method most cost-effective is the simultaneous observation using a second (or more) technique(s), and the subsequent comparison of results. Triggered lighting has been used in several places, including Brazil, for the validation of lightning detection networks. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of the new BrasilDAT network, and other nationwide networks, for the summers of 2011, 2012 and 2013. The detection efficiencies and location of cloud-to-ground return strokes of these networks will be assessed against the information of the videos from the network of high-cameras RAMMER (Proc. FAPESP # 2010 / 01742-2), in the region of São José dos Campos.