Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Lightning Related Transient Luminous Events at High Altitude in the Earth’s Atmosphere: Phenomenology, Mechanisms and Effects

  • Published:
Space Science Reviews Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper presents a literature survey on the recent developments related to experimental and modeling studies of transient luminous events (TLEs) in the middle atmosphere termed elves, sprites and jets that are produced in association with thunderstorm activity at tropospheric altitudes. The primary emphasis is placed on publications that appeared in refereed literature starting from year 2008 and up to the present date. The survey covers general phenomenology of TLEs and their relationships to characteristics of individual thunderstorms and lightning, physical mechanisms and modeling of TLEs, past, present and future orbital observations of TLEs, and their chemical, energetic and electric effects on local and global scales.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • S. Achat, Y. Teisseyre, E. Marode, The scaling of the streamer-to-arc transition in a positive point-to-plane gap with pressure. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 25(4), 661–668 (1992)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Adachi, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, M. Sato, Roles of the EMP and QE field in the generation of columniform sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31(4), L04107 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003GL019081

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T. Adachi, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Y. Hiraki, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, L.C. Lee, Electric field transition between the diffuse and streamer regions of sprites estimated from ISUAL/array photometer measurements. Geophys. Res. Lett. 33(17), L17803 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Adachi, Y. Hiraki, K. Yamamoto, Y. Takahashi, H. Fukunishi, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, L.C. Lee, Electric fields and electron energies in sprites and temporal evolutions of lightning charge momentmeasurements. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41(23), 234010 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Arnone, A. Kero, B.M. Dinelli, C.F. Enell, N.F. Arnold, E. Papandera, C.J. Rodger, M. Carlotti, M. Ridolfi, E. Turunen, Seeking sprite-induced signatures in remotely sensed middle atmosphere NO2. Geophys. Res. Lett. 35, L05807 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • E. Arnone, A. Kero, C.F. Enell, M. Carlotti, C.J. Rodger, E. Papandera, N.F. Arnold, B.M. Dinelli, M. Ridolfi, E. Turunen, Seeking sprite-induced signatures in remotely sensed middle atmosphere NO2: latitude and time variations. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 034014 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Asano, M. Hayakawa, M. Cho, T. Suzuki, Computer simulations on the initiation and morphological difference of Japan winter and summer sprites. J. Geophys. Res. 113(A2), A02308 (2008). doi:10.1029/2007JA012528

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Asano, T. Suzuki, M. Hayakawa, M.G. Cho, Three-dimensional EM computer simulation on sprite initiation above a horizontal lightning discharge. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 71, 983–990 (2009a)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Asano, T. Suzuki, Y. Hiraki, E. Mareev, M.G. Cho, M. Hayakawa, Computer simulations on sprite initiation for realistic lightning models with higher-frequency surges. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A02310 (2009b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.P. Barrington-Leigh, U.S. Inan, M. Stanley, Identification of sprites and elves with intensified video and broadband array photometry. J. Geophys. Res. 106(A2), 1741–1750 (2001). doi:10.1029/2000JA000073

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.M. Bazelyan, Y.P. Raizer, Spark Discharge (Chemical Rubber Company Press, New York, 1998)

    Google Scholar 

  • E.M. Bazelyan, Y.P. Raizer, Lightning Physics and Lightning Protection (IoP Publishing, Bristol, 2000),

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • S. Beirle, U. Platt, M. Wenig, T. Wagner, NO x production by lightning estimated with GOME. Adv. Space Res. 34(4) Sp. Iss., 793–797 (2004). doi:10.1016/j.asr.2003.07.069

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S. Beirle, H. Huntrieser, T. Wagner, Direct satellite observation of lightning-produced NO x . Atmos. Chem. Phys. 10(22), 10965–10986 (2010). doi:10.5194/acp-10-10965-2010

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Blanc, T. Farges, R. Roche, D. Brebion, T. Hua, A. Labarthe, V. Melnikov, Nadir observations of sprites from the international space station. J. Geophys. Res. 109(A2), A02306 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003JA009972

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Blanc, T. Farges, D. Brebion, A. Labarthe, V. Melnikov, Observations of sprites from space at the nadir: the LSO (lightning and sprite observations) experiment on board of the international space station, in Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges, ed. by M. Füllekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 151–166

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • E. Blanc, T. Farges, A.N. Belyaev, V.V. Alpatov, D. Brebion, A. Labarthe, V. Melnikov, Main results of LSO (Lightning and Sprite Observations) on board of the International Space Station. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 19(5–6), 80–84 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • W.L. Boeck, O.H. Vaughan, R.J. Blakeslee, B. Vonnegut, M. Brook, Lightning induced brightening in the airglow layer. Geophys. Res. Lett. 19, 99–102 (1992)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.L. Boeck, O.H. Vaughan, R.J. Blakeslee, B. Vonnegut, M. Brook, J. McKune, Observations of lightning in the stratosphere. J. Geophys. Res. 100, 1465–1475 (1995)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.L. Boeck, O.H. Vaughan, R.J. Blakeslee, B. Vonnegut, M. Brook, The role of the space shuttle videotapes in the discovery of sprites, jets and elves. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 60, 669–677 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Bucsela, J. Morrill, M. Heavner, C. Siefring, S. Berg, D. Hampton, D. Moudry, E. Wescott, D. Sentman, N2(B3Π g ) and \(\mathrm{N}_{2}^{+}(\mathrm{A}^{2}{\Pi}_{u})\) vibrational distributions observed in sprites. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65, 583–590 (2003)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.J. Bucsela, K.E. Pickering, T.L. Huntemann, R.C. Cohen, A. Perring, J.F. Gleason, R.J. Blakeslee, R.I. Albrecht, R. Holzworth, J.P. Cipriani, D. Vargas-Navarro, I. Mora-Segura, A. Pacheco-Hernandez, S. Laporte-Molina, Lightning-generated NO x seen by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument during NASA’s Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling Experiment (TC4). J. Geophys. Res. 115, D00J10 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JD013118

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • L. Campbell, D.C. Cartwright, M.J. Brunger, Role of excited N2 in the production of nitric oxide. J. Geophys. Res. 112, A08303 (2007). doi:10.1029/2007JA012337

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Carlotti, G. Brizzi, E. Papandrea, M. Prevedelli, M. Ridolfi, B. Dinelli, L. Magnani, GMTR: Two-dimensional geo-fit multitarget retrieval model for Michelson interferometer for passive atmospheric sounding/environmental satellite observations. Appl. Opt. 45(4), 716–727 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S. Celestin, V.P. Pasko, Effects of spatial non-uniformity of streamer discharges on spectroscopic diagnostics of peak electric fields in transient luminous events. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L07804 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. Celestin, V.P. Pasko, Energy and fluxes of thermal runaway electrons produced by exponential growth of streamers during the stepping of lightning leaders and in transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 116, A03315 (2011)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Černák, E.M. van Veldhuizen, I. Morva, W.R. Rutgers, Effect of cathode surface properties on glow-to-arc transition in a short positive corona gap in ambient air. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 28(6), 1126–1132 (1995)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.C. Chang, C.L. Kuo, L.J. Lee, A.B. Chen, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.C. Lee, ISUAL far-ultraviolet events, elves, and lightning current. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E46 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014861

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • O. Chanrion, T. Neubert, A PIC-MCC code for simulation of streamer propagation in air. J. Comput. Phys. 227(15), 7222–7245 (2008)

    Article  ADS  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • O. Chanrion, T. Neubert, Production of runaway electrons by negative streamer discharges. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E32 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014774

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A.B. Chen, C.L. Kuo, Y.J. Lee, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, J.L. Chern, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, H. Fukunishi, Y.S. Chang, T.Y. Liu, L.C. Lee, Global distributions and occurrence rates of transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 113(A8), A08306 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Z. Cheng, S.A. Cummer, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, Broadband very low frequency measurement of D region ionospheric perturbations caused by lightning electromagnetic pulses. J. Geophys. Res. 112(A6), A06318 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.L. Chern, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, S.B. Mende, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, L.C. Lee, Global survey of upper atmospheric transient luminous events on the ROCSAT-2 satellite. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65, 647–659 (2003). doi:10.1016/S1364-6826(02)00317-6

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.K. Chou, C.L. Kuo, L.Y. Tsai, A.B. Chen, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.C. Lee, Gigantic jets with negative and positive polarity streamers. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E45 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014831

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Christian, R. Blakeslee, D. Boccippio, W. Boeck, D. Buechler, K. Driscoll, S. Goodman, J. Hall, W. Koshak, D. Mach, M. Stewart, Global frequency and distribution of lightning as observed from space by the Optical Transient Detector. J. Geophys. Res. 108(D1), 4005 (2003). doi:10.1029/2002JD002347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • V. Cooray, M. Rahman, V. Rakov, On the NO x production by laboratory electrical discharges and lightning. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 71(17–18), 1877–1889 (2009). doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2009.07.009

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, Current moment in sprite-producing lightning. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65, 499–508 (2003)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, M. Fullekrug, Unusually intense continuing current in lightning produces delayed mesospheric breakdown. Geophys. Res. Lett. 28, 495–498 (2001)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, Lightning charge moment changes in U.S. high plains thunderstorms. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31(5), L05114 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003GL019043

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, Implication of lightning charge moment changes for sprite initiation. J. Geophys. Res. 110, A04304 (2005). doi:10.1029/2004JA010812

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, C.P. Barrington-Leigh, ELF radiation produced by electrical currents in sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 25, 1281–1284 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Simultaneous radio and satellite optical measurements of high-altitude sprite current and lightning continuing current. J. Geophys. Res. 111(A10), A10315 (2006a)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, N.C. Jaugey, J.B. Li, W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, E.A. Gerken, Submillisecond imaging of sprite development and structure. Geophys. Res. Lett. 33, L04104 (2006b). doi:10.1029/2005GL024969

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Cummer, J. Li, F. Han, G. Lu, N. Jaugey, W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, Quantification of the troposphere-to-ionosphere charge transfer in a gigantic jet. Nat. Geosci. 2, 1–4 (2009). doi:10.1038/NGEO607

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C. de Groot-Hedlin, Finite-difference time-domain synthesis of infrasound propagation through an absorbing atmosphere. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 124(3, Part 1), 1430–1441 (2008). doi:10.1121/1.2959736

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. de Larquier, V.P. Pasko, Mechanism of inverted-chirp infrasonic radiation from sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L24803 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J. de Urquijo, F.J. Gordillo-Vazquez, Comment on “NO x production in laboratory discharges simulating blue jets and red sprites” by Harold Peterson et al. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A12319 (2010). doi:10.1029/2010JA015966

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.K. Dhali, P.F. Williams, Two-dimensional studies of streamers in gases. J. Appl. Phys. 62, 4696–4707 (1987)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U. Ebert, D. Sentman, Editorial Review: Streamers, sprites, leaders, lightning: from micro- to macroscales. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41, 230301 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U. Ebert, C. Montijn, T.M.P. Briels, W. Hundsdorfer, B. Meulenbroek, A. Rocco, E.M. van Veldhuizen, The multiscale nature of streamers. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 15, S118–S129 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U. Ebert, S. Nijdam, C. Li, A. Luque, T. Briels, E. van Veldhuizen, Review of recent results on streamer discharges and discussion of their relevance for sprites and lightning. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E43 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.F. Enell, A. Arnone, T. Adachi, O. Chanrion, P.T. Verronen, A. Seppala, T. Neubert, T. Ulich, E. Turunen, Y. Takahashi, R.R. Hsu, Parameterisation of the chemical effect of sprites in the middle atmosphere. Ann. Geophys. 26, 13–27 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Farges, E. Blanc, Characteristics of infrasound from lightning and sprites near thunderstorm areas. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E31 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014700

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T. Farges, E. Blanc, A.L. Pichon, T. Neubert, T.H. Allin, Identification of infrasound produced by sprites during the Sprite2003 campaign. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32(1), L01813 (2005). doi:10.1029/2004GL021212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H. Fischer, M. Birk, C. Blom, B. Carli, M. Carlotti, T. von Clarmann, L. Delbouille, A. Dudhia, D. Ehhalt, M. Endemann, J.M. Flaud, R. Gessner, A. Kleinert, R. Koopman, J. Langen, M. Lopez-Puertas, P. Mosner, H. Nett, H. Oelhaf, G. Perron, J. Remedios, M. Ridolfi, G. Stiller, R. Zander, MIPAS: an instrument for atmospheric and climate research. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 8(8), 2151–2188 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G.J. Fishman, P.N. Bhat, R. Mallozzi, J.M. Horack, T. Koshut, C. Kouveliotou, G.N. Pendleton, C.A. Meegan, R.B. Wilson, W.S. Paciesas, S.J. Goodman, H.J. Christian, Discovery of intense gamma-ray flashes of atmospheric origin. Science 264(5163), 1313–1316 (1994)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • R.C. Franz, R.J. Nemzek, J.R. Winckler, Television image of a large upward electric discharge above a thunderstorm system. Science 249, 48–51 (1990)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, S.A. Cummer, A.B. Chen, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, Y.S. Chang, T. Adachi, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Beta-type stepped leader of elve-producing lightning. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32, L13824 (2005). doi:10.1029/2005GL023080

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, T. Adachi, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, A.B. Chen, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, Y.S. Chang, Halos generated by negative cloud-to-ground lightning. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L18801 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, M. Kubota, K. Sakanoi, U.S. Inan, W.A. Lyons, Elves: Lightning-induced transient luminous events in the lower ionosphere. Geophys. Res. Lett. 23(16), 2157–2160 (1996)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Fukunishi, Y. Hiraki, T. Adachi, L. Tong, K. Nanbu, Occurrence conditions for gigantic jets connecting the thundercloud and the ionosphere. Eos Trans. AGU 86(52), AE11A-02 (2005). Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract AE11A-02

    Google Scholar 

  • M. Fullekrug, M.J. Rycroft, The contribution of sprites to the global atmospheric electric circuit. Earth Planets Space 58(9), 1193–1196 (2006)

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Fullekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft, Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • W.R. Gamerota, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, R.K. Haaland, M.G. McHarg, Comparison of sprite initiation altitudes between observations and models. J. Geophys. Res. 116, A02317 (2011). doi:10.1029/2010JA016095

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Garipov, B. Khrenov, M. Panasyuk, V. Tulupov, A. Shirokov, I. Yashin, H. Salazar, UV radiation from the atmosphere: results of the MSU “Tatiana” satellite measurements. Astropart. Phys. 24(4–5), 400–408 (2005a). doi:10.1016/j.astropartphys.2005.09.001

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Garipov, M. Panasyuk, V. Tulupov, B. Khrenov, A. Shirokov, I. Yashin, H. Salazar, Ultraviolet flashes in the equatorial region of the earth. JETP Lett. 82(4), 185–187 (2005b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Garipov, M. Panasyuk, I. Rubinshtein, V. Tulupov, B. Khrenov, A. Shirokov, I. Yashin, H. Salazar, Ultraviolet radiation detector of the MSU research educational microsatellite Universitetskii-Tat’yana. Instrum. Exp. Tech. 49(1), 126–131 (2006). doi:10.1134/S0020441206010180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • G.K. Garipov, B.A. Khrenov, M.I. Panasyuk, Correlation of atmospheric UV transient events with lunar phase. Geophys. Res. Lett. 35(10), L10807 (2008). doi:10.1029/2007GL032679

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G.K. Garipov, B.A. Khrenov, P.A. Klimov, V.S. Morozenko, M.I. Panasyuk, S.N. Petrova, V.I. Tulupov, V.M. Shahparonov, S.I. Svertilov, N.N. Vedenkin, I.V. Yashin, J.A. Jeon, S.M. Jeong, A.R. Jung, J.E. Kim, J. Lee, H.Y. Lee, G.W. Na, J.W. Nam, S. Nam, I.H. Park, J.E. Suh, J.Y. Jin, M. Kim, Y.K. Kim, B.W. Yoo, Y.S. Park, H.J. Yu, C.H. Lee, J.H. Park, H.I. Salazar, O.B. Martinez, E.L. Ponce, J.P. Cotsomi, Program of transient UV event research at Tatiana-2 satellite. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E24 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014765

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.A. Gerken, U.S. Inan, Observations of decameter-scale morphologies in sprites. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65, 567–572 (2003). doi:10.1016/S1364-6826(02)00333-4

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.A. Gerken, U.S. Inan, C.P. Barrington-Leigh, Telescopic imaging of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 27, 2637–2640 (2000)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • F.J. Gordillo-Vazquez, Air plasma kinetics under the influence of sprites. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41(23), 234016 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • F.J. Gordillo-Vazquez, Z. Donko, Electron energy distribution functions and transport coefficients relevant for air plasmas in the troposphere: impact of humidity and gas temperature. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18, 034021 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • F.J. Gordillo-Vazquez, A. Luque, Electrical conductivity in sprite streamer channels. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L16809 (2010). doi:10.1029/2010GL044349

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Greenberg, C. Price, Y. Yair, M. Ganot, J. Bor, G. Satori, ELF transients associated with sprites and elves in eastern Mediterranean winter thunderstorms. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 69(13), 1569–1586 (2007). doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2007.06.002

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Haldoupis, A. Mika, S. Shalimov, Modeling the relaxation of early VLF perturbations associated with transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A00E04 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Haldoupis, N. Amvrosialdi, B.R.T. Cotts, O.A. van der Velde, O. Chanrion, T. Neubert, More evidence for a one-to-one correlation between sprites and early VLF perturbations. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A07304 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.J. Heavner, D.D. Sentman, D.R. Moudry, E.M. Wescott, Sprites, blue jets, and elves: optical evidence of energy transport across the stratopause, in Atmospheric Science Across the Stratopause, ed. by D.E. Siskind, S.D. Eckermann, M.E. Summers. Geophysical Monograph Series, vol. 123 (American Geophysical Union, Washington, 2000), pp. 69–82

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Hiraki, Effects of ion-neutral chemical reactions on dynamics of lightning-induced electric field. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18(3), 034020 (2009)

    Article  MathSciNet  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Hiraki, H. Fukunishi, Theoretical criterion of charge moment change by lightning for initiation of sprites. J. Geophys. Res. 111(A11), A11305 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Hiraki, Y. Kasai, H. Fukunishi, Chemistry of sprite discharges through ion-neutral reactions. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 8(14), 3919–3928 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • R.R. Hsu, A.B. Chen, C. Kuo, Y. Lee, H.T. Su, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, T. Adachi, K. Yamamoto, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, L.C. Lee, Gigantic jet observation by the ISUAL payload of FORMOSAT-2 satellite. Eos Trans. AGU 86(52), AE23A-0992 (2005). Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract AE23A-0992

    Google Scholar 

  • R.R. Hsu, A.B. Chen, C.-L. Kuo, H.-T. Su, H. Frey, S. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.-C. Lee, On the global occurrence and impacts of transient luminous events (TLEs). AIP Conf. Proc. 1118(1), 99–107 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.Y. Hu, S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, Lightning charge moment changes for the initiation of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 29(8), 1279 (2002). doi:10.1029/2001GL014593

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.Y. Hu, S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, Testing sprite initiation theory using lightning measurements and modeled electromagnetic fields. J. Geophys. Res. 112(D13), D13115 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T.Y. Huang, C.Y. Chiang, C.L. Kuo, A.B. Chen, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, Investigations of lightning-induced sudden brightening in the OH airglow layer observed by ISUAL onboard FORMOSAT-II satellite. AIP Conf. Proc. 1118(1), 21–27 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T.-Y. Huang, C.L. Kuo, C.Y. Chiang, A.B. Chen, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, Further investigations of lightning-induced transient emissions in the OH airglow layer. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A10326 (2010). doi:10.1029/2010JA015558

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Ignaccolo, T. Farges, A. Mika, T.H. Allin, O. Chanrion, E. Blanc, T. Neubert, A.C. Fraser-Smith, M. Fullekrug, The planetary rate of sprite events. Geophys. Res. Lett. 33(11), L11808 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Inan, Lightning effects at high altitudes: sprites, elves, and terrestrial gamma ray flashes. C. R. Phys. 3(10), 1411–1421 (2002)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, J.V. Rodriguez, Heating and ionization of the lower ionosphere by lightning. Geophys. Res. Lett. 18(4), 705–708 (1991)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Inan, C. Barrington-Leigh, S. Hansen, V.S. Glukhov, T.F. Bell, R. Rairden, Rapid lateral expansion of optical luminosity in lightning-induced ionospheric flashes referred to as ‘elves’. Geophys. Res. Lett. 24(5), 583–586 (1997)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Inan, S.A. Cummer, R.A. Marshall, A survey of elf and VLF research on lightning-ionosphere interactions and causative discharges. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E36 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Israelevich, Y. Yair, A. Devir, J. Joseph, Z. Levin, I. Mayo, M. Moalem, C. Price, B. Ziv, A. Sternlieb, Transient airglow enhancements observed from the space shuttle Columbia during the MEIDEX sprite campaign. Geophys. Res. Lett. 31(6), L06124 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003GL019110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T. Kanmae, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, M.G. McHarg, Altitude resolved sprite spectra with 3 ms temporal resolution. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L07810 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • H.W. Kasemir, A contribution to the electrostatic theory of a lightning discharge. J. Geophys. Res. 65(7), 1873–1878 (1960)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.I. Klimov, E.A. Sharkov, L.M. Zelenyi, The tropical cyclones as the possible sources of gamma emission in the Earth’s atmosphere. Eos Trans. AGU 90, 52 (2009). Abstract AE33B-0295

    Google Scholar 

  • P.R. Krehbiel, J.A. Riousset, V.P. Pasko, R.J. Thomas, W. Rison, M.A. Stanley, H.E. Edens, Upward electrical discharges from thunderstorms. Nat. Geosci. 1(4), 233–237 (2008). doi:10.1038/ngeo162

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.L. Kuo, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, L.C. Lee, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Electric fields and electron energies inferred from the ISUAL recorded sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32, L19103 (2005). doi:10.1029/2005GL023389

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.L. Kuo, A.B. Chen, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, L.C. Lee, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Analysis of ISUAL recorded gigantic jets, in Abstracts of Workshop on Streamers, Sprites, Leaders, Lightning: From Micro- to Macroscales, Lorentz Center, Leiden University, 8–12 October 2007 (2007a)

    Google Scholar 

  • C.L. Kuo, A.B. Chen, Y.J. Lee, L.Y. Tsai, R.K. Chou, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, L.C. Lee, S.A. Cummer, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, H. Fukunishi, Modeling elves observed by FORMOSAT-2 satellite. J. Geophys. Res. 112, A11312 (2007b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.L. Kuo, A.B. Chen, J.K. Chou, L.Y. Tsai, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.C. Lee, Radiative emission and energy deposition in transient luminous events. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41, 234014 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.L. Kuo, J.K. Chou, L.Y. Tsai, A.B. Chen, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, S.A. Cummer, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.C. Lee, Discharge processes, electric field, and electron energy in ISUAL-recorded gigantic jets. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A04314 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Larsson, The effect of a large series resistance on the streamer-to-spark transition in dry air. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 31(9), 1100 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.H. Lay, C.J. Rodger, R.H. Holzworth, M. Cho, J.N. Thomas, Temporal-spatial modeling of electron density enhancement due to successive lightning strokes. J. Geophys. Res. 115(0), A00E59 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • F. Leblanc, K.L. Aplin, Y. Yair, R.G. Harrison, J.P. Lebreton, M. Blanc, Planetary atmospheric electricity 532 pp. (Springer, Berlin, 2008)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • L.-J. Lee, A.B. Chen, S.-C. Chang, C.-L. Kuo, H.-T. Su, R.-R. Hsu, C.-C. Wu, P.-H. Lin, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, Y. Takahashi, L.-C. Lee, Controlling synoptic-scale factors for the distribution of transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E54 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014823

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • F. Lefeuvre, E. Blanc, J.L.P.T. Team, TARANIS—a satellite project dedicated to the physics of TLEs and TGFs. AIP Conf. Proc. 1118(1), 3–7 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Li, U. Ebert, W. Hundsdorfer, 3D hybrid computations for streamer discharges and production of runaway electrons. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 42(20), 202003 (2009). doi:10.1088/0022-3727/42/20/202003

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Li, S. Cummer, Estimation of electric charge in sprites from optical and radio observations. J. Geophys. Res. 116, A01301 (2011). doi:10.1029/2010JA015391

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Li, S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, Coordinated analysis of delayed sprites with high-speed images and remote electromagnetic fields. J. Geophys. Res. 113(D20), D20206 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C. Liu, E.R. Williams, E.J. Zipser, G. Burns, Diurnal variations of global thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds and their contribution to the global electrical circuit. J. Atmos. Sci. 67(2), 309–323 (2010). doi:10.1175/2009JAS3248.1

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N. Liu, Model of sprite luminous trail caused by increasing streamer current. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L04102 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009GL042214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, Effects of photoionization on propagation and branching of positive and negative streamers in sprites. J. Geophys. Res. 109, A04301 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003JA010064

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, Molecular nitrogen LBH band system far-UV emissions of sprite streamers. Geophys. Res. Lett. 32, L05104 (2005). doi:10.1029/2004GL022001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, Modeling studies of NO-γ emissions of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L16103 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, No-gamma emissions from streamer discharges: direct electron impact excitation versus resonant energy transfer. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 43, 082001 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, D.H. Burkhardt, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, H.-T. Su, A.B. Chen, R.-R. Hsu, L.-C. Lee, H. Fukunishi, Y. Takahashi, Comparison of results from sprite streamer modeling with spectrophotometric measurements by ISUAL instrument on FORMOSAT-2 satellite. Geophys. Res. Lett. 33, L01101 (2006). doi:10.1029/2005GL024243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, K. Adams, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, M.G. McHarg, Comparison of acceleration, expansion, and brightness of sprite streamers obtained from modeling and high-speed video observations. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A00E03 (2009a)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • N.Y. Liu, V.P. Pasko, H.U. Frey, S.B. Mende, H.-T. Su, A.B. Chen, R.-R. Hsu, L.-C. Lee, Assessment of sprite initiating electric fields and quenching altitude of a1 π g state of n2 using sprite streamer modeling and ISUAL spectrophotometric measurements. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A00E02 (2009b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Lu, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, F. Han, R.J. Blakeslee, H.J. Christian, Charge transfer and in-cloud structure of large-charge-moment positive lightning strokes in a mesoscale convective system. Geophys. Res. Lett. 36, L15805 (2009). doi:10.1029/2009GL038880

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Lu, R.J. Blakeslee, J. Li, D.M. Smith, X.M. Shao, E.W. McCaul, D.E. Buechler, H.J. Christian, J.M. Hall, S.A. Cummer, Lightning mapping observation of a terrestrial gamma-ray flash. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L11806 (2010). doi:10.1029/2010GL043494

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Lu, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, F. Han, D.M. Smith, B.W. Grefenstette, Characteristics of broadband lightning emissions associated with terrestrial gamma ray flashes. J. Geophys. Res. 116, A03316 (2011a). doi:10.1029/2010JA016141

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Lu, S.A. Cummer, W.A. Lyons, P.R. Krehbiel, J. Li, W. Rison, R.J. Thomas, H.E. Edens, M.A. Stanley, W. Beasley, D.R. MacGorman, O.A. van der Velde, M.B. Cohen, T.J. Lang, S.A. Rutledge, Lightning development associated with two negative gigantic jets. Geophys. Res. Lett. 38, L12801 (2011b). doi:10.1029/2011GL047662

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Luque, U. Ebert, Emergence of sprite streamers from screening-ionization waves in the lower ionosphere. Nat. Geosci. 2(11), 757–760 (2009). doi:10.1038/NGEO662

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Luque, U. Ebert, Sprites in varying air density: charge conservation, glowing negative trails and changing velocity. Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L06806 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009GL041982

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • A. Luque, F.J. Gordillo-Vazquez, Sprite beads originating from inhomogeneities in the mesospheric electron density. Geophys. Res. Lett. 38, L04808 (2011). doi:10.1029/2010GL046403

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • W.A. Lyons, Sprite observations above the U.S. high plains in relation to their parent thunderstorm systems. J. Geophys. Res. 101, 29641–29652 (1996)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.A. Lyons, The meteorology of transient luminous events—an introduction and overview, in Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges, ed. by M. Füllekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 19–56

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, R.A. Armstrong, V.P. Pasko, M.A. Stanley, Upward electrical discharges from thunderstorm tops. Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc. 84(4), 445–454 (2003). doi:10.1175/BAMS-84-4-445

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • W.A. Lyons, M.A. Stanley, J.D. Meyer, T.E. Nelson, S.A. Rutledge, T. Lang, S.A. Cummer, The meteorological and electrical structure of TLE-producing convective storms, in Lightning: Principles, Instruments and Applications, ed. by H. Betz, U. Schumann, P. Laroche (Springer, Berlin, 2009), pp. 387–415

    Google Scholar 

  • W.A. Lyons, M.A. Stanley, T.E. Nelson, S.A. Cummer, C.R. Huffines, K.C. Wiens, Supercells and sprites. Bull. Am. Meteorol. Soc. 89(8), 1165+ (2008). doi:10.1175/2008BAMS2439.1

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.A. Mareev, Global electric circuit research: achievements and prospects. Phys. Usp. 53(5), 504–511 (2010). doi:10.3367/UFNe.0180.201005h.0527

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.A. Mareev, S.A. Yashunin, S.S. Davydenko, T.C. Marshall, M. Stolzenburg, C.R. Maggio, On the role of transient currents in the global electric circuit. Geophys. Res. Lett. 35(15), L15810 (2008). doi:10.1029/2008GL034554

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Marshall, U.S. Inan, High-speed measurements of small-scale features in sprites: Sizes and lifetimes. Radio Sci. 41, RS6S43 (2006). doi:10.1029/2005RS003353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Marshall, U.S. Inan, Two-dimensional frequency domain modeling of lightning EMP-induced perturbations to VLF transmitter signals. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E29 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • R.A. Marshall, U.S. Inan, V.S. Glukhov, Elves and associated electron density changes due to cloud-to-ground and in-cloud lightning discharges. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E17 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.D. Mathews, M.A. Stanley, V.P. Pasko, T.G. Wood, U.S. Inan, M.J. Heavner, S.A. Cummer, Electromagnetic signatures of the Puerto Rico blue jet and its parent thunderstorm. Eos Trans. AGU 83(47) (2002). Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract A62D-02

  • Y. Matsudo, I. Suzuki, K. Michimoto, K. Myokei, M. Hayakawa, Comparison of time delays of sprites induced by winter lightning flashes in the Japan Sea with those in the Pacific Ocean. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 71(1), 101–111 (2009). doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2008.09.040

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V. Mazur, L.H. Ruhnke, Model of electric charges in thunderstorms and associated lightning. J. Geophys. Res. 103(D18), 23299–23308 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.G. McHarg, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, T. Kanmae, Streamer development in sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L06804 (2007). doi:10.1029/2006GL027854

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, L.C. Lee, D.D. Sentman, Y. Takahashi, H. Fukunishi, D region ionization by lightning-induced EMP. J. Geophys. Res. 110, A11312 (2005). doi:10.1029/2005JA011064

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S.B. Mende, Y.S. Chang, A.B. Chen, H.U. Frey, H. Fukunishi, S.P. Geller, S. Harris, H. Heetderks, R.R. Hsu, L.C. Lee, H.T. Su, Y. Takahashi, Spacecraft based studies of transient luminous events, in Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges, ed. by M. Füllekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 123–149

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • A. Mika, C. Haldoupis, T. Neubert, H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, R.J. Steiner, R.A. Marshall, Early VLF perturbations observed in association with elves. Ann. Geophys. 24(8), 2179–2189 (2006)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G.M. Milikh, M.N. Shneider, Model of UV flashes due to gigantic blue jets. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41(23), 234013 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.V. Mishin, G.M. Milikh, Blue jets:Upward lightning. Space Sci. Rev. 137(1–4), 473–488 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Montanya, O. van der Velde, D. Romero, V. March, G. Sola, N. Pineda, M. Arrayas, J.L. Trueba, V. Reglero, S. Soula, High-speed intensified video recordings of sprites and elves over the western Mediterranean Sea during winter thunderstorms. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E18 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014508

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • J.S. Morrill, E.J. Bucsela, V.P. Pasko, S.L. Berg, W.M. Benesch, E.M. Wescott, M.J. Heavner, Time resolved N2 triplet state vibrational populations and emissions associated with red sprites. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 60, 811–829 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G.D. Moss, V.P. Pasko, N.Y. Liu, G. Veronis, Monte Carlo model for analysis of thermal runaway electrons in streamer tips in transient luminous events and streamer zones of lightning leaders. J. Geophys. Res. 111, A02307 (2006). doi:10.1029/2005JA011350

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G.V. Naidis, Positive and negative streamers in air: velocity-diameter relation. Phys. Rev. E 79(5, Part 2), 057401 (2009). doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.79.057401

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Neubert, On sprites and their exotic kin. Science 300, 747–749 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • T. Neubert, ASIM—an Instrument Suite for the International Space Station. AIP Conf. Proc. 1118(1), 8–12 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • T. Neubert, M. Rycroft, T. Farges, E. Blanc, O. Chanrion, E. Arnone, A. Odzimek, N. Arnold, C.F.E. CF, E. Turunen, T. Bosinger, A. Mika, C. Haldoupis, R.J. Steiner, O. van der Velde, O. Soula, P. Berg, F. Boberg, P. Thejll, B. Christiansen, M. Ignaccolo, M. Fullekrug, P.T. Verronen, J. Montanya, N. Crosby, Recent results from studies of electric discharges in the mesosphere. Surv. Geophys. 29(2), 71–137 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S. Nijdam, J.S. Moerman, T.M.P. Briels, E.M. van Veldhuizen, U. Ebert, Stereo-photography of streamers in air. Appl. Phys. Lett. 92(10), 101502 (2008). doi:10.1063/1.2894195

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • S. Nijdam, E.M. van Veldhuizen, U. Ebert, Comment on “NO x production in laboratory discharges simulating blue jets and red sprites” by H. Peterson et al. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A12305 (2010). doi:10.1029/2010JA015861

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.I. Panasyuk, V.V. Bogomolov, G.K. Garipov, O.R. Grigoryan, Y.I. Denisov, B.A. Khrenov, P.A. Klimov, L.L. Lazutin, S.I. Svertilov, N.N. Vedenkin, I.V. Yashin, S.I. Klimov, V.S. Makhmutov, Y.I. Stozkov, N.S. Svirzhevsky, V.V. Klimenko, E.A. Mareev, Y.V. Shlyugaev, V.E. Korepanov, I.H. Park, H.I. Salazar, H. Rothkaehl, Energetic particles impacting the upper atmosphere in connection with transient luminous event phenomena: Russian space experiment programs. AIP Conf. Proc. 1118(1), 108–115 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V. Pasko, U. Inan, T. Bell, Sprites as luminous columns of ionization produced by quasi-electrostatic thundercloud fields. Geophys. Res. Lett. 23(6), 649–652 (1996)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, Electric jets. Nature 423, 927–929 (2003)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, Theoretical modeling of sprites and jets, in Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges, ed. by M. Füllekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 253–311

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, Red sprite discharges in the atmosphere at high altitude: the molecular physics and the similarity with laboratory discharges. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 16, S13–S29 (2007). doi:10.1088/0963-0252/16/1/S02

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, Blue jets and gigantic jets: transient luminous events between thunderstorm tops and the lower ionosphere. Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 50, 124050 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, Recent advances in theory of transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 50, A00E35 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, A. Bourdon, Air heating associated with transient luminous events, in Proc. 28th Int. Conf. On Phenomena in Ionized Gases (ICPIG), 5P07-12, Institute of Plasma Physics, Prague, Czech Republic, 15–20 July 2007 (2007), pp. 1908–1911

    Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, J.J. George, Three-dimensional modeling of blue jets and blue starters. J. Geophys. Res. 107(A12), 1458 (2002). doi:10.1029/2002JA009473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, Diffuse and streamer regions of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 29(10), 1440 (2002). doi:10.1029/2001GL014241

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, Heating, ionization and upward discharges in the mesosphere due to intense quasi-electrostatic thundercloud fields. Geophys. Res. Lett. 22(4), 365–368 (1995)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, Y.N. Taranenko, Sprites produced by quasi-electrostatic heating and ionization in the lower ionosphere. J. Geophys. Res. 102(A3), 4529–4561 (1997). doi:10.1029/96JA03528

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, Spatial structure of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 25, 2123–2126 (1998a)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, S.C. Reising, Mechanism of ELF radiation from sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 25(18), 3493–3496 (1998b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U. Inan, T. Bell, Large scale modeling of sprites and blue jets. Eos Trans. AGU 80(46), F218 (1999). Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract A42E-11

    Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, T.F. Bell, Fractal structure of sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 27(4), 497–500 (2000). doi:10.1029/1999GL010749

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.P. Pasko, M.A. Stanley, J.D. Matthews, U.S. Inan, T.G. Wood, Electrical discharge from a thundercloud top to the lower ionosphere. Nature 416, 152–154 (2002). doi:10.1038/416152a

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Peterson, M. Bailey, J. Hallett, W. Beasley, NO x production in laboratory discharges simulating blue jets and red sprites. J. Geophys. Res. 114, A00E07 (2009). doi:10.1029/2009JA014489

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Peterson, M. Bailey, J. Hallett, W. Beasley, Reply to comment by S. Nijdam et al. on “NO x production in laboratory discharges simulating blue jets and red sprites”. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A12306 (2010a). doi:10.1029/2010JA015946

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H. Peterson, M. Bailey, J. Hallett, W. Beasley, Reply to comment by J. de Urquijo and F. J. Gordillo-Vazquez on “NO x production in laboratory discharges simulating blue jets and red sprites”. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A12320 (2010b). doi:10.1029/2010JA016040

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N.I. Petrov, G.N. Petrova, Physical mechanisms for the development of lightning discharges between a thundercloud and the ionosphere. Tech. Phys. 44, 472–475 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • L. Pitchford, S. Oneil, J. Rumble, Extended Boltzmann analysis of electron swarm experiments. Phys. Rev. A 23(1), 294–304 (1981)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J. Qin, S. Celestin, V.P. Pasko, On the inception of streamers from sprite halo events produced by lightning discharges with positive and negative polarity. J. Geophys. Res. 116, A06305 (2011)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y.P. Raizer, Gas Discharge Physics (Springer, New York, 1991)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Y.P. Raizer, G.M. Milikh, M.N. Shneider, S.V. Novakovski, Long streamers in the upper atmosphere above thundercloud. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 31, 3255–3264 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y.P. Raizer, G.M. Milikh, M.N. Shneider, On the mechanism of blue jet formation and propagation. Geophys. Res. Lett. 33(23), L23801 (2006). doi:10.1029/2006GL027697

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y.P. Raizer, G.M. Milikh, M.N. Shneider, Leader–streamers nature of blue jets. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 69(8), 925–938 (2007). doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2007.02.007

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y.P. Raizer, G.M. Milikh, M.N. Shneider, Streamer- and leader-like processes in the upper atmosphere: models of red sprites and blue jets. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E42 (2010)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • V.A. Rakov, M.A. Uman, Lightning: Physics and Effects (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • V.A. Rakov, D.E. Crawford, K.J. Rambo, G.H. Schnetzer, M.T.A. Uman, R. Thottappillil, M-component mode of charge transfer to ground in lightning discharge. J. Geophys. Res. 106(D19), 22817–22831 (2001)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Riousset, V.P. Pasko, P.R. Krehbiel, R.J. Thomas, W. Rison, Three-dimensional fractal modeling of intracloud lightning discharge in a New Mexico thunderstorm and comparison with lightning mapping observations. J. Geophys. Res. 112, D15203 (2007). doi:10.1029/2006JD007621

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Riousset, V.P. Pasko, A. Bourdon, Air-density-dependent model for analysis of air heating associated with streamers, leaders, and transient luminous events. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A12321 (2010a)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • J.A. Riousset, V.P. Pasko, P.R. Krehbiel, W. Rison, M.A. Stanley, Modeling of thundercloud screening charges: Implications for blue and gigantic jets. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E10 (2010b)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A. Rocco, U. Ebert, W. Hundsdorfer, Branching of negative streamers in free flight. Phys. Rev. E 66, 035102(R) (2002). doi:10.1103/PhysRevE.66.035102

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.J. Rodger, Red sprites, upward lightning and VLF perturbations. Rev. Geophys. 37, 317–336 (1999)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • C.J. Rodger, A. Seppala, M.A. Clilverd, Significance of transient luminous events to neutral chemistry: experimental measurements. Geophys. Res. Lett. 35(7), L07803 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • R. Roussel-Dupre, J.J. Colman, E. Symbalisty, D. Sentman, V.P. Pasko, Physical processes related to discharges in planetary atmospheres. Space Sci. Rev. 137(1–4), 51–82 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.L. Rowland, Theories and simulations of elves, sprites and blue jets. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 60, 831–844 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.J. Rycroft, A. Odzimek, Effects of lightning and sprites on the ionospheric potential, and threshold effects on sprite initiation, obtained using an analog model of the global atmospheric electric circuit. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E37 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M. Sato, H. Fukunishi, Global sprite occurrence locations and rates derived from triangulation of transient Schumann resonance events. Geophys. Res. Lett. 30(16), 1859 (2003). doi:10.1029/2003GL017291

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Sato, T. Ushio, T. Morimoto, M. Suzuki, A. Yamazaki, K. Masayuki, R. Ishida, Y. Takahashi, U.S. Inan, Y. Hobara, Y. Sakamoto, K. Yoshida, H. Ishikawa, K. Yoshita, Science goal and mission status of JEM-GLIMS. Eos Trans. AGU 90(52) (2009). Abstract AE23A-03

  • U. Schumann, H. Huntrieser, The global lightning-induced nitrogen oxides source. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 7(14), 3823–3907 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • D.D. Sentman, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, Chemical effects of weak electric fields in the trailing columns of sprite streamers. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 18(3), 034012 (2009)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • D.D. Sentman, E.M. Wescott, D.L. Osborne, D.L. Hampton, M.J. Heavner, Preliminary results from the Sprites94 campaign: Red sprites. Geophys. Res. Lett. 22, 1205–1208 (1995)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • D.D. Sentman, E.M. Wescott, R.H. Picard, J.R. Winick, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, E.M. Dewan, D.R. Moudry, F.T. Säo Sabbas, M.J. Heavner, J. Morrill, Simultaneous observations of mesospheric gravity waves and sprites generated by a Midwestern thunderstorm. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65, 537–550 (2003)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • D.D. Sentman, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, M.G. McHarg, J.S. Morrill, Plasma chemistry of sprite streamers. J. Geophys. Res. 113, D11112 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.N. Shneider, G.M. Milikh, Analysis of UV flashes of millisecond scale detected by a low-orbit satellite. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E23 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014685

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D. Siingh, A.K. Singh, R.P. Patel, R. Singh, R.P. Singh, B. Veenadhari, M. Mukherjee, Thunderstorms, lightning, sprites and magnetospheric whistler-mode radio waves. Surv. Geophys. 29(6), 499–551 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • D.M. Smith, L.I. Lopez, R.P. Lin, C.P. Barrington-Leigh, Terrestrial gamma-ray flashes observed up to 20 MeV. Science 307(5712), 1085–1088 (2005). doi:10.1126/science.1107466

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Stanley, P. Krehbiel, M. Brook, C. Moore, W. Rison, B. Abrahams, High speed video of initial sprite development. Geophys. Res. Lett. 26, 3201–3204 (1999)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M.A. Stanley, Sprites and their parent discharges. Ph.D. thesis, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM (2000)

  • M.A. Stanley, W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, P.R. Krehbiel, W. Rison, R.J. Thomas, Comparison of sprite locations with lightning channel structure. Eos Trans. AGU 88(52) (2007). Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract AE41A-07

  • H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, M.G. McHarg, High time-resolution sprite imaging: observations and implications. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 41, 234009 (2008)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, M.G. McHarg, T. Kanmae, D.D. Sentman, Observed emission rates in sprite streamer heads. Geophys. Res. Lett. 34, L11105 (2007). doi:10.1029/2007GL029881

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, R. Haaland, M.G. McHarg, B.A. Hensley, T. Kanmae, Sprite initiation altitude measured by triangulation. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E12 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014543

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • H.T. Su, R.R. Hsu, A.B. Chen, Y.C. Wang, W.S. Hsiao, W.C. Lai, L.C. Lee, M. Sato, H. Fukunishi, Gigantic jets between a thundercloud and the ionosphere. Nature 423, 974–976 (2003). doi:10.1038/nature01759

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • A.I. Sukhorukov, P. Stubbe, Problems of blue jet theories. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 23(13), 7–9 (1998). doi:10.1016/S1364-6826(98)00021-2

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Sutherland, H. Bass, Atmospheric absorption in the atmosphere up to 160 km. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 115(3), 1012–1032 (2004). doi:10.1121/1.1631937

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Takahashi, K. Yoshida, Y. Sakamoto, T. Sakamoi, SPRITE-SAT: A University Small Satellite for Observation of High-Altitude Luminous Events, in Small Satellite Missions for Earth Observation, ed. by R. Sandau, H.-P. Roeser, A. Valenzuela (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 197–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Y. Takahashi, A. Yoshida, M. Sato, T. Adachi, S. Kondo, R.R. Hsu, H.T. Su, A.B. Chen, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, L.C. Lee, Absolute optical energy of sprites and its relationship to charge moment of parent lightning discharge based on measurement by ISUAL/AP. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E55 (2010). doi:10.1029/2009JA014814

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • P. Tardiveau, E. Marode, A. Agneray, M. Cheaib, Pressure effects on the development of an electric discharge in non-uniform fields. J. Phys. D, Appl. Phys. 34, 1690–1696 (2001)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • M. Tavani, M. Marisaldi, C. Labanti, F. Fuschino, A. Argan, A. Trois, P. Giommi, S. Colafrancesco, C. Pittori, F. Palma, M. Trifoglio, F. Gianotti, A. Bulgarelli, V. Vittorini, F. Verrecchia, L. Salotti, G. Barbiellini, P. Caraveo, P.W. Cattaneo, A. Chen, T. Contessi, E. Costa, F. D’Ammando, E. Del Monte, G. De Paris, G. Di Cocco, G. Di Persio, I. Donnarumma, Y. Evangelista, M. Feroci, A. Ferrari, M. Galli, A. Giuliani, M. Giusti, I. Lapshov, F. Lazzarotto, P. Lipari, F. Longo, S. Mereghetti, E. Morelli, E. Moretti, A. Morselli, L. Pacciani, A. Pellizzoni, F. Perotti, G. Piano, P. Picozza, M. Pilia, G. Pucella, M. Prest, M. Rapisarda, A. Rappoldi, E. Rossi, A. Rubini, S. Sabatini, E. Scalise, P. Soffitta, E. Striani, E. Vallazza, S. Vercellone, A. Zambra, D. Zanello, AGILE Team, Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes as Powerful Particle Accelerators. Phys. Rev. Lett. 106(1), 018501 (2011). doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.018501

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • L.Z. Tong, K. Nanbu, H. Fukunishi, Simulation of gigantic jets propagating from the top of thunderclouds to the ionosphere. Earth Planets Space 57(7), 613–617 (2005)

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Vadislavsky, Y. Yair, C. Erlick, C. Price, E. Greenberg, R. Yaniv, B. Ziv, N. Reicher, A. Devir, Indication for circular organization of column sprite elements associated with Eastern Mediterranean winter thunderstorms. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 71(17–18), 1835–1839 (2009). doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2009.07.001

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • O.A. van der Velde, A. Mika, S. Soula, C. Haldoupis, T. Neubert, U.S. Inan, Observations of the relationship between sprite morphology and in-cloud lightning processes. J. Geophys. Res. 111, D15203 (2006). doi:10.1029/2005JD006879

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • O.A. van der Velde, W.A. Lyons, T.E. Nelson, S.A. Cummer, J. Li, J. Bunnell, Analysis of the first gigantic jet recorded over continental North America. J. Geophys. Res. 112, D20104 (2007). doi:10.1029/2007JD008575

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • O.A. van der Velde, J. Bor, J. Li, S.A. Cummer, E. Arnone, F. Zanotti, M. Fullekrug, C. Haldoupis, S. NaitAmor, T. Farges, Multi-instrumental observations of a positive gigantic jet produced by a winter thunderstorm in Europe. J. Geophys. Res. 115, D24301 (2010a)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • O.A. van der Velde, J. Montanya, S. Soula, N. Pineda, J. Bech, Spatial and temporal evolution of horizontally extensive lightning discharges associated with sprite-producing positive cloud-to-ground flashes in northeastern Spain. J. Geophys. Res. 115, A00E56 (2010b). doi:10.1029/2009JA014773

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • G. Veronis, V.P. Pasko, U.S. Inan, Characteristics of mesospheric optical emissions produced by lightning discharges. J. Geophys. Res. 104(A6), 12645–12656 (2001)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • P.A. Vitello, B.M. Penetrante, J.N. Bardsley, Simulation of negative-streamer dynamics in nitrogen. Phys. Rev. E 49, 5574–5598 (1994)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.M. Wescott, D. Sentman, D. Osborne, D. Hampton, M. Heavner, Preliminary results from the Sprites94 aircraft campaign. 2. Blue jets. Geophys. Res. Lett. 22(10), 1209–1212 (1995)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.M. Wescott, D.D. Sentman, M.J. Heavner, D.L. Hampton, O.H. Vaughan Jr., Blue jets: their relationship to lightning and very large hailfall, and their physical mechanisms for their production. J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 60, 713–724 (1998)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.M. Wescott, D. Sentman, H.C. Stenbaek-Nielsen, P. Huet, M.J. Heavner, D.R. Moudry, New evidence for the brightness and ionization of blue jets and blue starters. J. Geophys. Res. 106(A10), 21549–21554 (2001). doi:10.1029/2000JA000429

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E. Williams, Y. Yair, The microphysical and electrical properties of sprite producing thunderstorms, in Sprites, Elves and Intense Lightning Discharges, ed. by M. Füllekrug, E.A. Mareev, M.J. Rycroft. NATO Science Series II: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, vol. 225 (Springer, Heidelberg, 2006), pp. 57–83

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • E.R. Williams, The tripolar structure of thunderstorms. J. Geophys. Res. 94(D11), 13151–13167 (1989)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.R. Williams, Problems in lightning physics–the role of polarity asymmetry. Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 15(2), S91–S108 (2006). doi:10.1088/0963-0252/15/2/S12

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • E.R. Williams, The global electrical circuit: a review. Atmos. Res. 91(2–4) Sp. Iss. SI, 140–152 (2009). doi:10.1016/j.atmosres.2008.05.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • C.T.R. Wilson, The electric field of a thundercloud and some of its effects. Proc. Phys. Soc. London 37, 32D–37D (1925)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Yair, Observations of transient luminous events from earth orbit. IEEJ Trans. Fundam. Mater. 126, 244–249 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Yair, C. Price, Z. Levin, J. Joseph, P. Israelevitch, A. Devir, M. Moalem, B. Ziv, M. Asfur, Sprite observations from the space shuttle during the Mediterranean Israeli dust experiment (MEIDEX). J. Atmos. Sol.-Terr. Phys. 65(5), 635–642 (2003). doi:10.1016/S1364-6826(02)00332-2

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Yair, P. Israelevich, A.D. Devir, M. Moalem, C. Price, J.H. Joseph, Z. Levin, B. Ziv, A. Sternlieb, A. Teller, New observations of sprites from the space shuttle. J. Geophys. Res. 109, D15201 (2004). doi:10.1029/2003JD004497

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • Y. Yair, C. Price, M. Ganot, E. Greenberg, R. Yaniv, B. Ziv, Y. Sherez, A. Devir, J. Bor, G. Satori, Optical observations of transient luminous events associated with winter thunderstorms near the coast of Israel. Atmos. Res. 91(2–4) Sp. Iss. SI, 529–537 (2009). doi:10.1016/j.atmosres.2008.06.018

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • S.A. Yashunin, E.A. Mareev, V.A. Rakov, Are lightning M components capable of initiating sprites and sprite halos?. J. Geophys. Res. 112(D10), D10109 (2007)

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  • N.A. Zabotin, J.W. Wright, Role of meteoric dust in sprite formation. Geophys. Res. Lett. 28(13), 2593–2596 (2001). doi:10.1029/2000GL012699

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory (CSSL), The Pennsylvania State University, 211B Electrical Engineering East, University Park, PA, 16802-2706, USA

    Victor P. Pasko

  2. Department of Life and Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel, 1 University Road, Ra’anana, 43107, Israel

    Yoav Yair

  3. Department of Physics, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan

    Cheng-Ling Kuo

Authors
  1. Victor P. Pasko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yoav Yair
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Cheng-Ling Kuo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Victor P. Pasko.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Pasko, V.P., Yair, Y. & Kuo, CL. Lightning Related Transient Luminous Events at High Altitude in the Earth’s Atmosphere: Phenomenology, Mechanisms and Effects. Space Sci Rev 168, 475–516 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-011-9813-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-011-9813-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation