Dataset Title:
Lightning Strike Data for New Mexico, 1991
Dataset ID
31991
Abstract
This file contains 1991 daily lightning activity data for the state of New Mexico. These data were collected by a network of lightning detection stations scattered throughout the western United States. More information regarding the LLP Lightning Locating System can be found in Maier et al. (1983).
Methods
Only data on cloud-to-ground lightning flashes are recorded in this file. Note that each cloud-to-ground lightning flash is composed of one or more highly energetic discharges known as return strokes. Thus each lightning observation found in this file contains a column showing the number of return strokes associated with each flash. In addition, each observation includes information on the time of the flash, location (latitude/longitude), polarity, and signal amplitude. The lightning flash location is determined by triangulation. The accuracy of the flash location is dependent on the number of stations detecting the flash, the flash location with respect to the detecting stations (i.e. poor accuracy if on the baseline between two stations), and the distance between the detecting stations. When the detecting stations are 50 miles apart, estimated strike locations are usually within 1/2 to 1 kilometer of the actual location.
These data are bound by the following coordinates:
Latitude: 31.335 to 36.999 degrees
Longitude: -109.048 to -103.006 degrees
Additional Information
The LLP system was brought down on 15 December 1990, julian day 349, to upgrade the system. It was brought back on line on julian day 52, 21 February, 1991.
