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Current propagation model for a narrow bipolar pulse
Author(s) -
Watson S. S.,
Marshall T. C.
Publication year - 2007
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 - 10.1029/2006gl027426
Subject(s) - current (fluid) , moment (physics) , physics , electric field , computational physics , air shower , thunderstorm , electric power transmission , mechanics , meteorology , electrical engineering , optics , engineering , classical mechanics , detector , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
Narrow bipolar pulses (NBPs) are a class of high‐altitude, high‐energy discharges that occur during some thunderstorms. We use a modified transmission line model (called MTLEI) with a current that increases exponentially along the propagation channel to test mechanisms that might produce NBPs. Model outputs were compared to measured E data from a single NBP collected at near and far field locations. We were unable to fit the measured data using the fast current propagation speeds appropriate for a runaway breakdown/extensive air shower mechanism. Instead, by using currents that travel relatively slowly (6 × 10 7 m/s), the MTLEI model fit the data reasonably well. This result is compatible with a mechanism that uses runaway breakdown to produce charge carriers along with a moving electric field to drive the main NBP current. Using this model for the measured NBP, we estimate a charge moment of 0.6 C·km.