Summary
This observational study analysed 28 years of metadata from three spaceborne lightning-detection instruments to quantify previously undocumented variability in South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) interference patterns. The SAA caused radiation-triggered buffer overflows that temporarily disabled instruments and distorted climatological view-time records, with interference intensity showing strong inverse correlation to solar activity. The study identified regional drift patterns and seasonal variations in SAA effects, providing evidence that external factors including thermospheric properties, radiation characteristics, and orbital dynamics require further investigation to understand the SAA's own evolution.
Regional applicability
Not applicable. This study concerns geophysical remote-sensing methodology and has no direct bearing on United Kingdom farming systems, soil health, or food production.
Key measures
FIFO buffer overflow frequency, view-time anomaly patterns, Pearson correlation coefficients with sunspot number (−0.50 and −0.48, p<0.0001), areal extent of SAA interference (millions of km²), westward drift rates (0.54–0.70° y⁻¹), seasonal interference cycles
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the spatiotemporal patterns and magnitude of South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) interference on three spaceborne lightning detection instruments (OTD, LIS, TLIS, ILIS) over 1995–2023, showing FIFO buffer overflow events and view-time anomalies that affected climatological records. It documented westward and directional drifts of the SAA-affected region and identified a strong inverse relationship between interference intensity and sunspot number.
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