Abstract
The Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) is a global lighting
detection network that has been operational since 2009. The ENTLN
sensors are broadband electric field sensors that detect both
intra-cloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) flashes and provide timing,
location, classification, and peak current measurements. ENTLN consists
of roughly 1600 wideband sensors deployed globally. Since its initial
deployment, several improvements were made over the years to enhance its
performance and usability. Notable ones are the addition of many new
sensors each year to improve detection efficiency and extend global
coverage. Firmware improvements have also been made to further increase
sensitivity. A multi-parameter algorithm was incorporated to enhance IC
and CG classification. To validate these improvements, Earth Networks
has sponsored several studies to provide valuable feedback on
performance improvements. This presentation will highlight two such
studies. The first was performed at the Lightning Observatory in
Gainesville (LOG), Florida using a combination of high-speed cameras and
electric field sensors. For the 608 flashes in this study, a flash
detection efficiency (DE) of 99% was found. Also, 97% of the flashes
classified as CG by ENTLN algorithms were confirmed as CG via the
measurements at LOG. The second study was performed at Langmuir
Laboratory in New Mexico. In this study, 546 flashes were analyzed from
three separate storms and ENTLN data was compared to simultaneously
acquired interferometer (INTF) and electric field change array data
(LEFA). Results show a total DE of 97.5%. Ninety one percent of flashes
categorized at CG by EN were suggested to be CG by correlation of the
LEFA+INTF data. Where EN determined the flash to be IC, LEFA+INTF agreed
in 84% of cases.