Determination and representation of electric charge distributions associated with adverse weather conditions

Algorithms are presented for determining the size and location of electric charges which model storm systems and lightning strikes. The analysis utilizes readings from a grid of ground level field mills and geometric constraints on parameters to arrive at a representative set of charges. This set is used to generate three dimensional graphical depictions of the set as well as contour maps of the ground level electrical environment over the grid. The composite, analytic and graphic package is demonstrated and evaluated using controlled input data and archived data from a storm system. The results demonstrate the packages utility as: an operational tool in appraising adverse weather conditions; a research tool in studies of topics such as storm structure, storm dynamics, and lightning; and a tool in designing and evaluating grid systems

Lightning Detection Efficiency Analysis Process: Modeling Based on Empirical Data

A ground based lightning detection system employs a grid of sensors, which record and evaluate the electromagnetic signal produced by a lightning strike. Several detectors gather information on that signal s strength, time of arrival, and behavior over time. By coordinating the information from several detectors, an event solution can be generated. That solution includes the signal s point of origin, strength and polarity. Determination of the location of the lightning strike uses algorithms based on long used techniques of triangulation. Determination of the event s original signal strength relies on the behavior of the generated magnetic field over distance and time. In general the signal from the event undergoes geometric dispersion and environmental attenuation as it progresses. Our knowledge of that radial behavior together with the strength of the signal received by detecting sites permits an extrapolation and evaluation of the original strength of the lightning strike. It also limits the detection efficiency (DE) of the network. For expansive grids and with a sparse density of detectors, the DE varies widely over the area served. This limits the utility of the network in gathering information on regional lightning strike density and applying it to meteorological studies. A network of this type is a grid of four detectors in the Rondonian region of Brazil. The service area extends over a million square kilometers. Much of that area is covered by rain forests. Thus knowledge of lightning strike characteristics over the expanse is of particular value. I have been developing a process that determines the DE over the region [3]. In turn, this provides a way to produce lightning strike density maps, corrected for DE, over the entire region of interest. This report offers a survey of that development to date and a record of present activity

Abandoned Equity and the Best Interests of the Child: Why Illinois Courts Must Recognize Same-Sex Parents Seeking Visitation

In Illinois, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act ( IMDMA ) governs child custody and visitation issues. In the past, Illinois courts have adopted common law equitable principles to find standing for individuals who play significant parental roles in a child\u27s life, and who seek visitation. Recognizing that it serves the best interests of the child, these courts have exercised their equitable powers to find standing for individuals who are the practical equivalent of parents. The Illinois Appellate court In re C.B.L. recently rejected this common law tradition when asked to find standing for a nonbiological lesbian co-parent seeking visitation. This Note provides an overview of the legal ramifications of chosen routes to parenthood and the issues raised when lesbian or gay parents end a romantic relationship with one another, but intend to maintain their parental relationships with the children. It also critiques the reasoning offered by the C.B.L. court, and presents a basis for extending equitable principles to lesbian or gay co-biological parents seeking visitation under both common law and the IMDMA