Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Thunderstorms’ Effects on Wildfire in Australia in 2017–2020 Using Data from the ISS LIS and MODIS Space-Based Observations

The impact of thunderstorms on the wildfire situation in Australia 2017–2020 was investigated using data from ISS LIS and MODIS space-based observations. To determine lightning-caused wildfires, a Geographic Information System (GIS) method carried out, which consisted combined investigation spatial temporal distributions strikes ignition hotspots. seasonal variability activity analyzed. It established that maximum distribution thunderstorm does not coincide with activity. interannual changes were recorded, but this revealed for major vegetation types. Of 120,829 flashes, recorded by sensor, only 23 flashes could be characterized as events, i.e., frequency lightning equal to 0.00023 fires/stroke. ignitions usually took place along boundary thunderstorm, semiarid areas covered open scrublands. During dry Australian period (April–September), very few events detected while fire quite high. Additionally, it concluded is too small explain numerous wildfires during wet period.