Simulation of the strong lightning pulse penetration into the lower ionosphere

Sukhorukov, A. I.; Rudenchik, E. A.; Stubbe, P.

doi:10.1029/96gl02881

Cited by 31 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 21 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…Successive EMPs can cause a density increase of many hundreds of per cent of the ambient values Rodger et al, 2001), affecting a large area of ∼3×10 5 km 2 (Barrington- Leigh and Inan, 1999). At lower altitudes, extending down to ∼80 km, where electrons are only mildly heated, dissociative attachment to molecular oxygen (O 2 + e → O + O − ) dominates, leading to decreases in the electron density of several per cent (Inan et al, 1996a;Sukhorukov et al, 1996).…”

Section: Electron Density Changes Induced By the Lightning Emp In Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Early VLF perturbations observed in association with elves

Mika

Haldoupis

Neubert³

et al. 2006

Ann. Geophys.

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Abstract. VLF remote sensing is used to detect lowerionospheric electron density changes associated with a certain type of transient luminous events known as elves. Both ground-and satellite-based observations of elves are analysed in relation to VLF data acquired at various receiver sites in Europe, the United States and Antarctica. Ground-based observations were performed during the EuroSprite2003 campaign, when five elves were captured by low-light cameras located in the Pyrenees. Analysis of VLF recordings from Crete shows early VLF perturbations accompanying all of the elves. A large dataset consisting of elves captured by the ISUAL (Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning) payload on Taiwan's FORMOSAT-2 satellite over Europe and North America has also been analysed. Early/fast VLF perturbations were found to accompany some of the elves observed over Europe. However, no VLF perturbations were detected in relation to the elves observed by ISUAL over North America. The present analysis -based on the largest database of optical elve observations used for VLF studies so far -constitutes evidence of processes initiated by the lightning EMP (electromagnetic pulse) causing electron density changes in the lower ionosphere in line with theoretical predictions. It also proves that sub-ionospheric electron density changes associated with elves can intrude to lower heights and thus perturb VLF transmissions. The possibility of VLF detection, however, depends on several factors, e.g., the distance of the elve from the receiver and the transmitterreceiver great circle path (GCP), the altitude of the ionised region and the characteristics of the VLF transmitter, as well as the EMP energy, which occasionally may be sufficient to cause optical emissions but not ionisation.

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Section: Electron Density Changes Induced By the Lightning Emp In Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Early VLF perturbations observed in association with elves

Mika

Haldoupis

Neubert³

et al. 2006

Ann. Geophys.

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“…Successive EMPs can cause a density increase of many hundreds of per cent of the ambient values Rodger et al 2001), affecting a large area of ∼3 × 10 5 km 2 (Barrington-Leigh and . At lower altitudes, where electrons are only mildly heated, dissociative attachment to molecular oxygen dominates, leading to decreases in the electron density of several per cent Sukhorukov et al 1996). The anticipated electron density enhancements due to ionisation and the depletions caused by dissociative attachment lead to a sharpening of the electron density profile in the upper D region.…”

Section: Elves and Early Vlf Perturbationsmentioning

confidence: 95%

VLF Studies During TLE Occurrences in Europe: A Summary of New Findings

Mika¹,

Haldoupis

2008

Space Sci Rev

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The paper reviews the past few years' European efforts for characterising the effects of TLEs, in particular sprites and elves, on the lower ionosphere. A mostly experimental approach was applied for the analysis of data collected during the EuroSprite campaigns by optical cameras, very low frequency (VLF, 3-30 kHz) receivers and lightning detection systems. The new findings of these multi-instrumental studies can be summarised as follows: 1) A close relationship between sprites and early VLF perturbations was established which constitutes evidence of upper D-region electron density changes in association with sprites. 2) VLF backscatter from the sprite-affected regions exists but it occurs rarely.3) Long-delayed sprites were present in a large percentage, contrary to previous reports; they occurred in relation to long-lasting continuing currents that contribute to the buildup of sprite-causative quasi-electrostatic fields. 4) Intracloud lightning was found to be the key-factor which determines the sprite morphological features. 5) A new subcategory of VLF events was discovered, termed early/slow, characterised by long onset durations from 100 ms up to ∼2 s. The slow onsets, which were attributed to a gradual ionisation build-up, are driven by a dense sequence of intracloud electromagnetic pulses that accompany the sprite-causative discharge. 6) A D-region chemical model was applied to simulate the measured recovery phases of the early VLF perturbations. This led to estimates about the mean altitude and electron density enhancements of the sprite-related ionospheric perturbations. 7) Early VLF events were identified for the first time to occur in association with elves, providing evidence that corroborates theoretical predictions on lower-ionospheric ionisation production by lightning-emitted electromagnetic pulses.

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“…Rodger 1999) suggested the name "Ultra-Slow-Tail" (UST) to label it as an ULF phenomenon. Stimulated by the theoretical work of Sukhorukov et al (1996) and Sukhorukov and Stubbe (1997), attributed the oscillations to the overhead excitation of IAR by a sprite-associated + CG lightning discharge. No explanation was given how the information from the IAR overhead the lightning flash could be transferred to the distant point of UST observation.…”

Section: The Ultra-slow-tailmentioning

confidence: 97%

On ULF Signatures of Lightning Discharges

Bösinger

Шалимов

2008

Space Sci Rev

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Recent works on magnetic signatures due to distant lightning discharges are reviewed. Emphasis is laid on magnetic signatures in the ULF range (in the old definition from less than 1 mHz up to 1 Hz), that is in the frequency range below the Schumann resonance. These signatures are known to be of importance for the excitation of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) which works only at night time conditions. This emphasizes the difference between night and day time ULF signatures of lightning. The IAR forms a link between the atmosphere and magnetosphere. Similarities and differences of this link in the VLF (Trimpi effect) and ULF range are worked out. A search for a unique signature of sprite-associated positive cloud-to-ground ( + CG) lightning discharges ended with a negative result. In this context, however, a new model of lightning-associated induced mesospheric currents was built. Depending on mesospheric condition it can produce magnetic signatures in the entire frequency range from VLF, ELF to ULF. In the latter case it can explain signatures known as the Ultra Slow Tail of + CG lightning discharges. A current problem on the magnetic background noise intensity has been solved by taking more seriously the contribution of + CG lightning discharges to the overall background noise. Their low occurrence rate is more than compensated by their large and long lasting continuing currents. By superposed epoch analysis it could be shown that the ULF response to − CG is one to two orders smaller that in case of + CG with similar peak current values of the return stroke.

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Simulation of the strong lightning pulse penetration into the lower ionosphere

Cited by 31 publications

References 21 publications

Early VLF perturbations observed in association with elves

Early VLF perturbations observed in association with elves

VLF Studies During TLE Occurrences in Europe: A Summary of New Findings

On ULF Signatures of Lightning Discharges

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