Open AccessThe simulation study of spherics and red sprite phenomenon produced by lightning
Author(s) -
MeiHwan Wu,
Jiyao Xu,
Ruiping Ma
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
wuli xuebao
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.199
H-Index - 47
ISSN - 1000-3290
DOI - 10.7498/aps.55.5007
Subject(s) - sprite (computer graphics) , lightning (connector) , phenomenon , ball lightning , computer science , meteorology , computer graphics (images) , physics , nuclear physics , plasma , quantum mechanics , power (physics)
By using a two-dimensional, time-dependent electromagnetic field model (EM model), the spherics and red sprite phenomenon is studied. The simulation results show that the total electric fields produced by lightning include radiation field and quasi-electrostatic field (QEF). The spherics result from the radiation field, which propagates within the earth-ionosphere waveguide. The optical emissions of the first positive band of N2 caused by the QEF form the red sprite phenomenon. By means of simulation we have found the red sprite apparently appearing in “V” shape during its evolution and a bright nucleus existing within the structure of the red sprite, while the brightness of the exterior of the red sprite, which is referred to as sprite halo, being relatively weaker.