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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

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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.

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