| 22 Oct 2025
The Lightning Differential Space Framework: Multiscale Analysis of Stroke and Flash Behavior
Abstract. Lightning flashes play a key role in the global electrical circuit, serving as markers of deep convection and indicators of climate variability. However, this field of research remains challenging due to the wide range of physical processes and spatiotemporal scales involved.
This study utilizes the Lightning Differential Space (LDS), which maps lightning stroke intervals onto a parameter space defined by their temporal and spatial derivatives.
Using data from the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN), we analyze the Number Distribution LDS clustering patterns across specific seasons in three climatically distinct regions: the Amazon, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, and the Great Plains in the US. The LDS reveals a robust clustering topography composed of “allowed” and “forbidden” interval ranges, which are consistent across regions, while shifts in cluster position and properties reflect the underlying regional meteorological conditions.
As an extension of the LDS framework, we introduce the Current Ratio LDS, a new diagnostic for identifying flash initiation by mapping the ratio of peak currents between successive strokes into the LDS coordinates. This space reveals a spatiotemporal structure that enables a clearer distinction between local and regional cales. It also reveals a distinct cluster, suggesting a possible teleconnection between remote strokes, spanning tens to hundreds of kilometers.
Together, the Number Distribution LDS and the novel Current Ratio LDS provide a scalable, data-driven framework for analyzing and interpreting large datasets of CG lightning activity. This approach is suitable for comparing storm regions, validating lightning models, and enhancing early warning systems.
In this manuscript the authors introduce a scalable, data-driven framework for the analysis and the interpretation of CG lightning activity large datasets. This framework consists of Number Distribution Lightning Differential Space, and the Current Ratio Lightning Differential Space that combined can provide insights and information regarding the CG activity in storm regions. Overall, the manuscript is very interesting, well written and well presented. I suggest it should be published after some minor comments are addressed that could improve the readability of the presented work.
1) Figure 3 is not explained in the text, but it is discussed in combination with Figure 4. I suggest either a paragraph to be dedicated for the discussion of Figure 3, or Figures 3 and 4 to be combined into a multi panel figure and then the panels of this figure to be discussed in the manuscript.
2) Is the caption of Figure 4 correct? Does it really refer to Fig. 1 or does it refer to Fig. 3?
3) Wouldn't a projection of Fig. 5 onto dR and dT (similarly to Fig. 4) be useful in presenting and discussing the results?
4) The authors state that the presented framework is suitable for comparing storm regions, validating lightning models and enhancing early warning systems. The whole discussion is dedicated in presenting a comparison between different storm regions, and thus it clear the contribution of the presented framework. There is no discussion how can the presented framework be used for the validation of lightning models and how can it enhance early warning systems. How can someone use the presented framework into achieving these goals?
5) Can this analysis be also used for the investigation of Intra Cloud (IC) lightning activity? After all, the IC lightning activity dominates over the CG lightning activity in terms of occurrence. Why is this analysis focused only to CG flashes?