Atmosphere Hazard: Lightning

Satellite and Radar Lightning Storm Prediction in the Carnduff Area

This map highlights severe weather and lightning prediction in the region around Carnduff, in
Canada. The hazard pattern shown is concentrated around Mid-lower Canada as well as a
portion of North Dakota. Here, lightning and thunder storms occur in this region because rising
air currents in the North American jet streams or updrafts create cumulonimbus clouds (Burrows
et al). In the surrounding area, downdrafts play a major part as to why the severity of the
weather and the instance of storming is far less prominent and then nonexistent. Storming and
Lightning is particularly important because lightning-caused fires are responsible for the ignition
of 80% of burned areas in Canada (Albert-Green et al.) A proposed solution is to have volunteer
and ranger programs in existence that clear underbrush routinely.

Satellite and Radar Lightning Storm Prediction in the Winnipeg/ North Dakota Area

This map shows the entirety of the hazard pattern more clearly, as it is less focused on the most
intense portion, so the viewer has a better idea of the surrounding area. Lightning is created by
an electrical discharge of quickly moving electrons, moving so quickly that when they strike one
another, they glow. In this map, the lightning is concentrated in the areas that are charged,
notated by the positive and negative icons. Lightning is occurring in this area because the low
pressure and high pressure air currents create cumulonimbus clouds, those charged with electrons
(created by friction from particles inside of the clouds) are capable of creating lightning
(Burrows et al). Again, lightning can create a hazard as they have a penchant of starting fires in
the area. Another proposed solution is to introduce vegetation that creates less underbrush and is
less likely to catch fire.

Satellite and Radar Lightning Storm Prediction in the North American Continent

Here, the map illustrates a better understanding of the wind currents and jet streams that
influence the weather pattern. It is easier to see where the currents flow and where they meet; jet
streams, low and high pressure currents are a very important aspect of weather and storming.
Here, lightning storms are of special interest, as forest fires pose a environmental issue. While
many forests can sometimes depend on forest fires to sustain and maintain life, forest fires can
cause safety issues as well as damage pre-existing ecosystems. There are many factors that
influence the flammability of a forest including climate and vegetation; climate can influence the
kind and yield of vegetation, and vegetation in turn can exist as fuel for fires (Albert-Green et
al.). Because Canadian territories experience seasonal weather that is conducive to forest fire
ignitions, this is a frequent issue for this area. Another proposed solution is to have lightning
rods installed in frequently hit areas to redirect lightning so that forest fires are less likely to
occur.

Works Cited
Albert-Green, Alisha, C. B. Dean, David L. Martell, and Douglas G. Woolford. "A Methodology for
Investigating Trends in Changes in the Timing of the Fire Season with Applications to Lightningcaused Forest Fires in Alberta and Ontario, Canada." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 43.1
(2013): 39-45. Academic Search Complete [EBSCO]. Web.
Burrows, William R., Colin Price, and Laurence J. Wilson. "Warm Season Lightning Probability
Prediction for Canada and the Northern United States." Weather & Forecasting 20.6 (2005): 97188. Academic Search Complete [EBSCO]. Web.
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