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Role of meteoric dust in sprite formation
Author(s) -
Zabotin N. A.,
Wright J. W.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2000gl012699
Subject(s) - sprite (computer graphics) , explosive material , geology , stratosphere , instability , geophysics , astrobiology , atmospheric sciences , physics , mechanics , chemistry , computer science , computer vision , organic chemistry
We show that ubiquitous small conducting particles of meteoric origin in the mesosphere and stratosphere may explain some features of sprite occurrence and fine structure. The main processes involved are: electrostatic field amplification by microspires on the dust surface, “cathode‐like instability” in their vicinity, autoemission and explosive emission of electrons. Additional observations, theoretical development and perhaps laboratory experiments are warranted.