Spasial and Temporal Distribution of Lightning in West Sumatera

Spatial and temporal distribution of lightning in West Sumatra had been investigated by using 16 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission-Lightning Imaging Sensor (TRMM-LIS) observation. Total rainfall of TRMM 3B43 was used to study the relationship between lightning and rainfall.It was found that much more lightning occurs over land than over the ocean. The lightning shows diurnal variation and the largest number of lightning in west Sumatra was observed during afternoon and evening with a peak around 17:00 LST. The diurnal cycle of lightning coincides with the diurnal cycle of cloud migration from the ocean to the inland of Sumatra as reported by previous researchers. The relationship between rainfall and lightning in West Sumatra varied from one district to another mainly due to topography factor. The district of Solok, Solok Selatan, Padang Pariaman, and 50 Kota had a strong correlation between lightning flashes and rainfall. On the other hand, low correlation was observed for Mentawai Islands, Pesisir Selatan, and Agam. Thus, lightning can be an indicator for surface rainfall in some districts but not for others.Hlm.7-1