ELF sferic energy as a proxy indicator for sprite occurrence
Date
1999
Authors
Inan, Umran S., author
Reising, Steven C., author
Bell, Timothy F., author
American Geophysical Union, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Broadband ELF/VLF measurements of sferics near Ft. Collins, Colorado, demonstrate that ELF sferic energy is a proxy for sprite occurrence which can be used to estimate the number of sprites produced by a thunderstorm. Ultra-long range (~12,000 km) measurements at Palmer Station, Antarctica, confirm the application of this proxy to storms where no video observations of sprites are available. Comparison with high-resolution photometer measurements demonstrate the simultaneity of sprite luminosity and an ELF "second pulse" believed to be radiated by electrical currents within the sprite body [Cummer et al., 1998]. Measurements of the second ELF pulse are used to identify a quantitative relationship between the current in sprites and total sprite luminosity.