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NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 1 NNSS Lightning Climatology Updated: July 15, 2019 Walter W. Schalk, Director R. G. Lantrip U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) Special Operations and Research Division (SORD)

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Page 1: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 1

NNSS Lightning Climatology

Updated:

July 15, 2019

Walter W. Schalk, Director R. G. Lantrip

U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) Special Operations and Research Division (SORD)

Page 2: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF LIGHTNING 6

2.1 Intra-cloud Lightning 6

2.2 Cloud-to-Ground (CG) Lightning 6

2.2.1 CG Lightning - Negative Flash 7

2.2.2 CG Lightning - Positive Flash 7

3.0 FACILITY REPORTS 9

3.1 NNSS Site Wide 9

3.2 Area 1S - U1a 14

3.3 Area 3 - RWMS 19

3.4 Area 4 - BEEF 24

3.5 Area 5C - NPTEC 29

3.6 Area 5NE - RWMC and HWSU/HWAA 34

3.7 Area 6S - DAF 39

3.8 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel 44

3.9 Area 15 - Climax Mine 49

3.10 Area 23 - Mercury 54

3.11 Area 25SW 59

3.12 Area 26 - Port Gaston 64

3.13 Area 27 - JASPER 69

4.0 REFERENCE 74

Page 3: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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1.0 INTRODUCTION The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Air Resources Laboratory/Special Operations and Research Division (ARL/SORD) operates a lightning detection network, Figure 1, consisting of four Vaisala Advanced Total Lightning Sensors (LS7001), Figure 2, tuned to detect cloud-to-ground lightning flashes on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). This report describes the lightning climatology products for the NNSS developed with the Vaisala Fault Analysis and Lightning Location Software Client for Windows (FALLS® 5.4.0) using data from the ARL/SORD network.

Figure 1. ARL/SORD Lightning Detection Network Sensor Locations.

The local database contains 189,873 flashes from 2001-03-26 13:07:55 through 2018-03-01 00:00:00 within the area bounded by longitudes 116.945°W and 115.550°W and latitudes 36.280°N and 37.683°N, Figure 3.

Page 4: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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The analysis was conducted using all available data. When using a 6 year period of record, a single storm or series of storms during a particularly active monsoon can significantly influence the climatology. Approximately 72.8% of all flashes (51,835 events) recorded in the local database occurred during the summer (Jun/Jul/Aug) months. By comparison all Winter (Dec/Jan/Feb) flashes account for less than 0.6% of the total and are barely perceptible on the histograms.

Figure 2. LS7001 Lightning Sensor at the Desert Rock Weather Observatory.

Three types of plots were produced to illustrate the lightning climatology of the selected high hazard and elevated risk facilities on the NNSS:

1) Flash density maps indicate the flash density per square kilometer per year and are rendered at a 1 km resolution. 2) Hourly histograms indicate the total number of flashes by hour-of-the-day (PST). 3) Seasonal histograms indicate the total number of flashes plotted by season for night (0000-0600), morning (0600-1200), afternoon (1200-1800), and evening (1800-0000) periods of the day. All times are in PST.

Flashes can be positively or negatively charged. Through the period of record positively charged flashes make up 17% of the total flashes on the NNSS. Negatively charged flashes make up the remaining flashes on the NNSS.

Page 5: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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Figure 3. NNSS Lightning Climatology Area [Bounded By Dashed Red Line].

Page 6: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF LIGHTNING There are two main types of lightning, intra-cloud and cloud-to-ground. The ARL/SORD lightning detection system is capable of detecting both types. The following is a brief discussion of the different types of lightning.

2.1 Intra-cloud lightning Intra-cloud or cloud-to-cloud lightning, Figure 4, is an electrical discharge between oppositely charged areas within a thunderstorm or between nearby thunderstorms. When they occur, these flashes are displayed on the ARL/SORD Website Lightning pages (click hyperlink or paste into browser http://www.sord.nv.doe.gov/Lightning.php?Location=Southwest&Ltime=30) as colored circles without black outlines. In some cases, intra-cloud or cloud-to-cloud lightning occurs prior to cloud-to-ground lightning and can be interpreted as a precursor to cloud-to-ground flashes.

Figure 4. Intra-cloud Lightning

2.2 Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning Cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, is an electrical discharge between opposite charges in the cloud and on the ground. When cloud-to-ground lightning occurs, the flashes are displayed on the ARL/SORD Website Lighting pages by colored circles with black outlines (click hyperlink or paste into browser http://www.sord.nv.doe.gov/Lightning.php?Location=Southwest&Ltime=30). CG lightning can occur between negative charges in the cloud and positive charges on the ground (a negative flash) or vice versa, between positive charges in the cloud and negative charges on the ground (a positive flash). A CG lightning flash consists of one or more leaders followed by one or more return strokes. The leader is the initial step in the lightning flash and establishes the conductive channel that the electrical discharge (lightning flash) will take. The return stroke is

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the large electrical discharge we see as the bright light. The return stroke occurs very quickly (about 200 million miles per hour) and the channel appears to light up all at once (this is because our eyes cannot perceive things moving at these speeds). There are two types of CG lightning, negative flashes and positive flashes. The ARL/SORD lightning detection system is capable of detecting both types.

2.2.1 CG lightning – Negative Flash A negative flash, Figure 5, is the most common and occurs when the leaders originate from the negatively charged area of the thunderstorm.

Figure 5. Negative Flash Cloud-to-Ground Lightning

2.2.2 CG lightning – Positive Flash A positive flash, Figure 6, occurs when the leaders originate from a positively charged area of the thunderstorm, typically the upper part of a thunderstorm. Most of the time, these positive leaders are shielded from the ground by the negatively charged central area of the cloud. However, if the storm becomes tilted or if the anvil spreads out in front of or behind the main thunderstorm cloud, the ground is no longer shielded from this upper positive charge. If a large charge differential develops between the upper cloud and the ground, a downward moving positive leader can develop. Since a positive leader usually is the result of a tilted cloud or an anvil cloud out in front or behind the main storm and rain area, positive flashes can occur at significant distances from the main storm. These distances can be at least 5 to 10 miles. These distant flashes are sometimes called “blue sky” lightning since the sky directly above the ground impact may not be experiencing stormy conditions. In addition, since the genesis area of the positive leader usually is at the top of the cloud and higher in the atmosphere, a much greater charge differential is required to initiate a

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positive flash as compared to a negative flash. As a result, positive flashes occur much less frequently with much greater distances between flashes. On average positive flashes make up only about 14% of the total flashes on the NNSS.

Figure 6. Positive Flash Cloud-to-Ground Lightning

Information in Section 2 of this document was obtained from the following source: Jensenius, John S. Jr., National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). [Accessed 2019 July 10]. Understanding Lightning. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-scienceintro

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3.0 FACILITY REPORTS 3.1.1 Nevada National Security

Site Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 20 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

71238 flashes were recorded over the period. The maximum flash density revealed is >2.5 km2/per year and occurs over the elevated terrain of the Spring Mountain range Southeast of the NNSS and over the Belted Range north of NNSS.

59108 – Charged Flashes 12123+ Charged Flashes %+ 17.0

Thunderstorms over the NNSS occur during mostly during the summer season June, July and August (JJA) as the southwest monsoon sends deep moisture to the north and west from the Gulf of Mexico at middle levels of the atmosphere, and from the Gulf of California at lower levels. Most of the lightning in this region starts around mid-day over the higher terrain and moves outward to lower elevations in the late afternoon and early evening.

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3.1.2 Nevada National Security Site

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 20 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Cloud to ground lightning activity from Noon through 6:00 PM PST comprises over 50% of all flashes occurring within 20 miles of the NNSS. Further analysis will show that 41% of NNSS lightning occurs during the summer months (June, July and August) in the afternoon hours (Noon through 6 PM PST).

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3.1.3 Nevada National Security Site

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 20 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

10024 flashes were recorded over the past year. The maximum flash density revealed is >2.5 km2/per year and occurred over the elevated terrain to the Northwest and over the Spring Mountains to the Southeast of the NNSS.

8488 – Charged Flashes 1538 + Charged Flashes %+ 15.3

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3.1.4 Nevada National Security Site

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 20 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

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Flashes by Hour (PST) within 20 Miles of the NNSS [2018/03/01 -2019/03/01]

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3.1.5 Nevada National Security Site

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 20 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 10024 8488 1536 15.3 2018 8695 7105 1590 18.3 2017 5245 3723 1522 29.0 2016 12949 10852 2097 16.2 2015 9338 7786 1552 16.6 2014 11755 10137 1618 13.8 2013 13232 11017 2215 16.7 AVE 10177 8444 1733 18.0

Page 14: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.2.1 Area 1S - U1a Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 3042 flashes were detected within 10 miles of U1a. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain South-Southwest and West of U1a.

2237 – Charged Flashes 805 + Charged Flashes %/+ 26.5

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3.2.2 Area 1S - U1a Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 16: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.2.3 Area 1S - U1a Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 222 flashes were detected within 10 miles of U1a. The highest flash densities occurred over the elevated terrain West thru North and Northeast of U1a.

160 – Charged Flashes 62 + Charged Flashes %/+ 27.9

Page 17: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.2.4 Area 1S - U1a Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

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3.2.5 Area 1S - U1a Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 222 160 62 27.9 2018 301 210 91 30.2 2017 142 101 41 28.8 2016 738 553 185 25.1 2015 322 202 120 37.3 2014 652 505 147 22.6 2013 665 506 159 23.8 AVE 435 320 115 28.0

Page 19: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.3.1 Area 3 - RWMS Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2907 flashes were detected within 10 miles of RWMS. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Southwest of RWMS.

2146 – Charged Flashes 761 + Charged Flashes %/+ 26.2

Page 20: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.3.2 Area 3 - RWMS Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 21: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.3.3 Area 3 - RWMS Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 250 flashes were detected within 10 miles of RWMS. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Southwest of RWMS.

181 – Charged Flashes 69 + Charged Flashes %/+ 27.6

Page 22: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.3.4 Area 3 - RWMS Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 23: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.3.5 Area 3 - RWMS Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 250 181 69 27.6 2018 290 198 92 31.7 2017 151 110 41 27.2 2016 744 576 168 22.6 2015 288 178 110 38.2 2014 601 459 142 23.6 2013 583 444 139 23.8 AVE 415 307 109 27.8

Page 24: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.4.1 Area 4 - BEEF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 3129 flashes were detected within 10 miles of BEEF. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Northwest of BEEF.

2356 – Charged Flashes 2356 + Charged Flashes %/+ 24.7

Page 25: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.4.2 Area 4 - BEEF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 26: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.4.3 Area 4 - BEEF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 294 flashes were detected within 10 miles of BEEF. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Southwest and Northwest of BEEF.

215 – Charged Flashes 79 + Charged Flashes %/+ 26.9

Page 27: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.4.4 Area 4 - BEEF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 28: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.4.5 Area 4 - BEEF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 294 215 79 26.9 2018 368 263 105 28.5 2017 160 113 47 29.4 2016 905 734 171 18.9 2015 266 172 94 35.3 2014 580 448 132 22.8 2013 556 411 145 26.1 AVE 447 337 110 26.8

Page 29: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.5.1 Area 5C - NPTEC Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2596 flashes were detected within 10 miles of NPTEC. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain East-Southeast NPTEC.

2004 – Charged Flashes 592 + Charged Flashes %/+ 22.8

Page 30: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.5.2 Area 5C - NPETEC Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 31: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.5.3 Area 5C - NPTEC Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 244 flashes were detected within 10 miles of NPTEC. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain East-Southeast NPTEC.

194 – Charged Flashes 50 + Charged Flashes %/+ 20.5

Page 32: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.5.4 Area 5C - NPTEC Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

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3.5.5 Area 5C - NPTEC Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 244 194 50 20.5 2018 238 175 63 26.5 2017 167 117 50 29.9 2016 495 337 158 31.9 2015 292 228 64 21.9 2014 570 471 99 17.4 2013 590 482 108 18.3 AVE 371 286 85 23.8

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3.6.1 Area 5NE - RWMC & HWSU/HWAA

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2683 flashes were detected within 10 miles of RWMC. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Northwest of RWMC.

2060 – Charged Flashes 623 + Charged Flashes %/+ 23.2

Page 35: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.6.2 Area 5NE - RWMC HWSU/HWAA

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 36: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.6.3 Area 5NE - RWMC & HWSU/HWAA

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 212 flashes were detected within 10 miles of RWMC. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Northwest of RWMC.

168 – Charged Flashes 44 + Charged Flashes %/+ 20.8

Page 37: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.6.4 Area 5NE - RWMC & HWSU/HWAA

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 38: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.6.5 Area 5NE - RWMC & HWSU/HWAA

Data Date Range

ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 212 168 44 20.8 2018 236 166 70 29.7 2017 170 126 44 25.9 2016 468 306 162 34.6 2015 322 247 75 23.3 2014 664 557 107 16.1 2013 611 490 121 19.8 AVE 383 294 89 24.3

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3.7.1 Area 6S - DAF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/00 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2697 flashes were detected within 10 miles of the Device Assembly Facility. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain West of DAF.

2029 – Charged Flashes 668 + Charged Flashes %/+ 24.8

Page 40: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.7.1 Area 6S - DAF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 41: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

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3.7.3 Area 6S - DAF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 156 flashes were detected within 10 miles of the Device Assembly Facility. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Northwest through Northeast of DAF.

122 – Charged Flashes 34 + Charged Flashes %/+ 21.8

Page 42: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 42

3.7.4 Area 6S - DAF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 43: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 43

3.7.5 Area 6S - DAF Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 156 122 34 21.8 2018 256 181 75 29.3 2017 136 96 40 29.4 2016 569 396 173 30.4 2015 312 217 95 30.5 2014 653 524 129 19.8 2013 615 493 122 19.8 AVE 385 290 95 25.9

Page 44: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 44

3.8.1 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 3638 flashes were detected within 10 miles of U12u Tunnel. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain just Northwest of U12u Tunnel.

3638 – Charged Flashes 2920 + Charged Flashes %/+ 19.7

Page 45: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 45

3.8.2 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 46: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 46

3.8.3 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 473 flashes were detected within 10 miles of U12u Tunnel. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain West and Northwest through Northeast of U12u Tunnel.

363 – Charged Flashes 110 + Charged Flashes %/+ 23.3

Page 47: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 47

3.8.4 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 48: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 48

3.8.4 Area 12C - U12u Tunnel Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 473 363 110 23.3 2018 497 375 122 24.6 2017 207 155 52 25.1 2016 893 750 143 16.0 2015 281 213 68 24.2 2014 643 543 100 15.5 2013 644 521 123 19.1 AVE 520 417 103 21.1

Page 49: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 49

3.9.1 Area 15 - Climax Mine Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 3206 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Climax Mine. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain West – Northwest of Climax Mine.

2561 – Charged Flashes 645 + Charged Flashes %/+ 20.1

Page 50: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 50

3.9.2 Area 15 - Climax Mine Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 51: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 51

3.9.3 Area 15 - Climax Mine Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 428 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Climax Mine. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Southwest through Northwest and Northeast of Climax Mine.

328 – Charged Flashes 100 + Charged Flashes %/+ 23.4

Page 52: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 52

3.9.4 Area 15 - Climax Mine Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 53: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 53

3.9.5 Area 15 - Climax Mine Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 428 328 100 23.4 2018 395 291 104 26.3 2017 214 159 55 25.7 2016 860 724 136 15.8 2015 206 145 61 29.6 2014 597 502 95 15.9 2013 506 412 94 18.6 AVE 458 366 92 22.2

Page 54: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 54

3.10.1 Area 23 - Mercury Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2523 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Mercury, NV. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain South of Mercury.

1946 – Charged Flashes 577 + Charged Flashes %/+ 22.9

Page 55: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 55

3.10.2 Area 23 - Mercury Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 56: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 56

3.10.3 Area 23 - Mercury Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 280 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Mercury, NV. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain surrounding of Mercury.

204 – Charged Flashes 76 + Charged Flashes %/+ 27.2

Page 57: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 57

3.10.4 Area 23 - Mercury Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 58: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 58

3.10.5 Area 23 - Mercury Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 280 204 76 27.2 2018 261 192 69 26.4 2017 140 67 73 52.1 2016 567 439 128 22.6 2015 228 176 52 22.8 2014 393 304 89 22.7 2013 654 564 90 13.8 AVE 360 278 82 26.8

Page 59: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 59

3.11.1 Area 25 SW Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 1897 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Area 25 SW. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain Southeast of Area 25 SW.

1559 – Charged Flashes 338 + Charged Flashes %/+ 17.8

Page 60: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 60

3.11.2 Area 25 SW Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 61: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 61

3.11.3 Area 25 SW Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 192 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Area 25 SW. The highest flash densities occurred at the elevated terrain Southeast through Southwest of Area 25 SW.

164– Charged Flashes 28 + Charged Flashes %/+ 14.6

Page 62: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 62

3.11.4 Area 25 SW Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 63: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 63

3.11.5 Area 25 SW Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 192 164 28 14.6 2018 118 92 26 22.0 2017 292 215 77 26.4 2016 356 287 69 19.4 2015 160 130 30 18.8 2014 479 429 47 9.9 2013 303 242 61 20.1 AVE 271 223 48 18.7

Page 64: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 64

3.12.1 Area 26 - Port Gaston Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

For the period of record 2221 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Port Gaston. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain North-northeast of Port Gaston.

1734 – Charged Flashes 487 + Charged Flashes %/+ 21.9

Page 65: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 65

3.12.2 Area 26 - Port Gaston Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 66: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 66

3.12.3 Area 26 - Port Gaston Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Over the past year 180 flashes were detected within 10 miles of Port Gaston. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain North-northeast of Port Gaston.

144 – Charged Flashes 36 + Charged Flashes %/+ 20.0

Page 67: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 67

3.12.4 Area 26 - Port Gaston Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 68: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 68

3.12.5 Area 26 - Port Gaston Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 180 144 36 20 2018 201 148 53 26.4 2017 136 84 52 38.2 2016 546 414 132 24.2 2015 248 186 62 25.0 2014 426 354 72 16.9 2013 484 404 80 16.5 AVE 317 248 70 23.9

Page 69: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 69

3.13.1 Area 27 – JASPER Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Due their close proximity JASPER and BAKER sites have been included in one report. For the period of record 2261 flashes were detected within 10 miles of JASPER and BAKER sites. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain West of Jasper.

1759 – Charged Flashes 502 + Charged Flashes %/+ 22.2

Page 70: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 70

3.13.2 Area 27 - JASPER Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 71: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 71

3.13.3 Area 27 - JASPER Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Due their close proximity JASPER and BAKER sites have been included in one report. Over the past year 182 flashes were detected within 10 miles of JASPER and BAKER sites. The highest flash densities occur at the elevated terrain South and Northwest of Jasper.

140 – Charged Flashes 42 + Charged Flashes %/+ 23.1

Page 72: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 72

3.13.4 Area 27 - JASPER Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2018/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

Page 73: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 73

3.13.5 Area 27 - JASPER Data Date Range ARL\SORD NNSS Lightning Summary

Within 10 Miles 2012/03/01 00:00:00 to 2019/03/01 00:00:00

LTG Flashes CG (-) CG (+) % (+) 2019 182 140 42 23.1 2018 206 150 56 27.2 2017 146 90 56 38.4 2016 589 457 132 22.4 2015 251 198 53 21.1 2014 359 286 73 20.3 2013 528 438 90 17.1 AVE 323 251 72 24.2

Page 74: › lightning › NNSS_Lightning_Climatology.pdf · NNSS Lightning Climatology - Energy.govNNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 4 The analysis was conducted using all available

NNSS Lightning Climatology (2019) Page 74

4.0 REFERENCE Information in Section 2 of this document was obtained from the following source: Jensenius, John S. Jr., National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). [Accessed 2019 July 10]. Understanding Lightning. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-science-scienceintro