Multi-Sensor Evaluation of Lightning Activity Over Bihar & Jharkhand

Lightning, caused by charged particles generating static electricity and producing large-scale sparks, is visually striking and potentially destructive. This study evaluates the reliability of various lightning detection sensors, including the satellite-based Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and ground-based systems such as the Lightning Location Network at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (LLN-IITM), Lightning Detection System at the National Remote Sensing Centre (LDS-NRSC), and World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). This research aims to provide new insights into the performance of more established lightning detection sources, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of lightning detection capabilities, with LLN-IITM as a key comparative component. Data from Bihar and Jharkhand were analyzed using spatial and temporal buffers to determine the points fulfilling both buffers. The analysis yielded Coinciding Points (n) of 34 for LDS, 5 for WWLLN, 181 for LLN-CC (Cloud-to-Cloud), and 97 for LLN-CG (Cloud-to-Ground). The higher Coinciding Points values for both CC and CG types in LLN indicate a strong correlation with LIS data, demonstrating LLN’s superior efficiency in detecting and localizing lightning strikes compared to the other sensors. Despite operating within the same low-frequency range as other ground-based sensors, LLN benefits from a wider frequency range and higher sensor density in the country. These advantages position LLN to significantly impact fields such as meteorology and atmospheric science.