Lightning Related Transient Luminous Events at High Altitude in the Earth’s Atmosphere: Phenomenology, Mechanisms and Effects

This paper presents a literature survey on the recent developments related to experimental and modeling studies of transient luminous events (TLEs) in the middle atmosphere termed elves, sprites and jets that are produced in association with thunderstorm activity at tropospheric altitudes. The primary emphasis is placed on publications that appeared in refereed literature starting from year 2008 and up to the present date. The survey covers general phenomenology of TLEs and their relationships to characteristics of individual thunderstorms and lightning, physical mechanisms and modeling of TLEs, past, present and future orbital observations of TLEs, and their chemical, energetic and electric effects on local and global scales.     

VLF Studies During TLE Occurrences in Europe: A Summary of New Findings

The paper reviews the past few years’ European efforts for characterising the effects of TLEs, in particular sprites and elves, on the lower ionosphere. A mostly experimental approach was applied for the analysis of data collected during the EuroSprite campaigns by optical cameras, very low frequency (VLF, 3–30?kHz) receivers and lightning detection systems. The new findings of these multi-instrumental studies can be summarised as follows: 1) A close relationship between sprites and early VLF perturbations was established which constitutes evidence of upper D-region electron density changes in association with sprites. 2) VLF backscatter from the sprite-affected regions exists but it occurs rarely. 3) Long-delayed sprites were present in a large percentage, contrary to previous reports; they occurred in relation to long-lasting continuing currents that contribute to the build-up of sprite-causative quasi-electrostatic fields. 4) Intracloud lightning was found to be the key-factor which determines the sprite morphological features. 5) A new subcategory of VLF events was discovered, termed early/slow, characterised by long onset durations from 100?ms up to ～2?s. The slow onsets, which were attributed to a gradual ionisation build-up, are driven by a dense sequence of intracloud electromagnetic pulses that accompany the sprite-causative discharge. 6) A D-region chemical model was applied to simulate the measured recovery phases of the early VLF perturbations. This led to estimates about the mean altitude and electron density enhancements of the sprite-related ionospheric perturbations. 7) Early VLF events were identified for the first time to occur in association with elves, providing evidence that corroborates theoretical predictions on lower-ionospheric ionisation production by lightning-emitted electromagnetic pulses.     

Blue Jets: Upward Lightning

Blue jets are beams of blue light propagating from the tops of active thunderclouds up to altitudes of ～50 km. They resemble tall trees with quasi-vertical trunk and filamentary branches. Their apparent speeds are in the range of 10 s to 100 s km/s. Other events, having essentially lower terminal altitudes (<26 km), are named blue starters. These phenomena represent the first documented class of upward electrical discharges in the stratosphere. Some of upward discharges, termed gigantic jets, propagate into the lower ionosphere at much higher speeds in the final phase. We describe salient features of the upward discharges in the atmosphere, give an assessment of the theories of their development, and discuss the consequences for the electrodynamics and chemistry of the stratosphere. We argue that this upward lightning phenomenon can be understood in terms of the bi-directional leader, emerging from the anvil.     

On ULF Signatures of Lightning Discharges

Recent works on magnetic signatures due to distant lightning discharges are reviewed. Emphasis is laid on magnetic signatures in the ULF range (in the old definition from less than 1 mHz up to 1 Hz), that is in the frequency range below the Schumann resonance. These signatures are known to be of importance for the excitation of the ionospheric Alfvén resonator (IAR) which works only at night time conditions. This emphasizes the difference between night and day time ULF signatures of lightning. The IAR forms a link between the atmosphere and magnetosphere. Similarities and differences of this link in the VLF (Trimpi effect) and ULF range are worked out. A search for a unique signature of sprite-associated positive cloud-to-ground (⁺CG) lightning discharges ended with a negative result. In this context, however, a new model of lightning-associated induced mesospheric currents was built. Depending on mesospheric condition it can produce magnetic signatures in the entire frequency range from VLF, ELF to ULF. In the latter case it can explain signatures known as the Ultra Slow Tail of ⁺CG lightning discharges. A current problem on the magnetic background noise intensity has been solved by taking more seriously the contribution of ⁺CG lightning discharges to the overall background noise. Their low occurrence rate is more than compensated by their large and long lasting continuing currents. By superposed epoch analysis it could be shown that the ULF response to ^?CG is one to two orders smaller that in case of ⁺CG with similar peak current values of the return stroke.     

Physical Processes Related to Discharges in Planetary Atmospheres

This paper focuses on the rudimentary principles of discharge physics. The kinetic theory of electron transport in gases relevant to planetary atmospheres is examined and results of detailed Boltzmann kinetic calculations are presented for a range of applied electric fields. Comparisons against experimental swarm data are made. Both conventional breakdown and runaway breakdown are covered in detail. The phenomena of transient luminous events (TLEs), particularly sprites, and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) are discussed briefly as examples of discharges that occur in the terrestrial environment. The observations of terrestrial lightning that exist across the electromagnetic spectrum and presented throughout this volume fit well with the broader understanding of discharge physics that we present in this paper. We hope that this material provides the foundation on which explorations in search of discharge processes on other planets can be based and previous evidence confirmed or refuted.     

非牛顿流体射流雾化特性研究进展

本文总结了有关非牛顿流体射流雾化特性的研究进展。首先,阐述了预测非牛顿液体射流初次雾化失稳特性的理论方法,介绍了有关非牛顿流体射流初次雾化的实验现象和特性参数。当射流初次雾化的过程结束后,破碎产生的液滴会在高速气流中发生二次雾化。随后,总结了国内外有关非牛顿流体液滴二次雾化实验研究的相关进展。分析了液滴二次雾化的实验现象,总结了不同种类液滴二次雾化过程中所研究特性参数,如破碎模态、临界韦伯数和初始变形时间等随来流气体参数之间的关系,并介绍了基于液滴二次雾化物理过程所建立的预测喷雾场液滴平均粒径的雾化模型。最后,基于目前的研究现状,给出了非牛顿液体射流初次雾化和二次雾化实验研究的后续重点研究方向及建议。     

Sprite-Producing Lightning-Ionosphere Coupling and Associated Low-Frequency Phenomena

Theoretical and experimental evidence is collected for additional ionization regions in the mesosphere above lightning discharges and their connection with transient luminous events (TLE). New insights are reported into the different appearances in the Very Low Frequency (VLF) link traces as affected by the mesospheric ionization regions. Based on these findings, physical processes going on in the ionization regions and their coupling to the primary lightning discharge process are conceptualized. Thereafter, some diagnostic potential is outlined. Finally, the ionization regions are considered as a transmitter of secondary low-frequency waves. The distinction is made between the primary electromagnetic waves emitted by the lightning and the secondary waves. As a consequence the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) and Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) transient signatures observed on the ground are understood as a composite of both wave types. In addition a novel method is introduced to extract the charge moment change of a sprite producing lightning discharge.     

Aeronomic aspects of the polarD-region

The polarD-region has been little studied. A major part of this review concerns observations performed during the 1969, November, 2–5, solar proton event. These extensive measurements and subsequent interpretations constitute a major source of polarD-region knowledge. The aeronomic concepts garnered from the analysis of this event are discussed and compared with results from other events and other polar mesospheric data. Some mid-latitude data are resorted to for supplementary arguments. Ionization rates due to precipitating protons and alpha-particles are reviewed, particularly in view of the fact that some workers have suggested that the more intense events may influence stratospheric ozone chemistry.     

Book reviews

The general significance of streamers of the solar corona is discussed in the frame of our knowledge of the solar wind phenomenon and the large-scale solar magnetic structure. Thermodynamical and geometric parameters of streamers observed and measured at total solar eclipses are reviewed. Both the low part (in the form of a helmet with a cusp) and the external part (in the form of a stalk extended at many solar radii) are considered. The modelling of streamers starts with the analysis of effects produced by the solar wind flow on a magnetic structure. Facts and arguments are presented in favor of a model with a current sheet and reconnection processes going on along the axis of the streamer, especially in the non-collisional part of the radially extended streamer. Further development of the Pneuman and Kopp (1971) model is discussed, including difficulties occurring in the interpretation of a stationary solution. An empirical model satisfying observations is presented. Future researchs on streamers were discussed with emphasis on observations to be done with the space-borne coronagraphs on the SOHO spacecraft.     

Large scale circulation patterns of the stratosphere

On the basis of analyses of the geographical, vertical and annual distribution for the northern hemisphere temperatures, geopotential heights, and winds at stratospheric pressure levels the general circulation patterns of the stratosphere are presented. Special attention is given to the outstanding features of stratospheric midwinter warmings and their variations in time, space, and intensity. The effects of the quasi-biennial oscillation at stratospheric levels are described. Finally some aspects of the observational problems are discussed.     

Trends in the Neutral and Ionized Upper Atmosphere

This article reviews our knowledge of long-term changes and trends in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. These changes are part of complex and comprehensive pattern of long-term trends in the Earth’s atmosphere. They also have practical impact. For example, decreasing thermospheric density causes the lifetime of orbiting space debris to increase, which is becoming a significant threat to important satellite technologies. Since the first paper on upper atmosphere trends was published in 1989, our knowledge has progressed considerably. Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases affect the whole atmosphere, not only the troposphere. They cause warming in the troposphere but cooling in the upper atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are not the only driver of long-term changes and trends in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Anthropogenic changes of stratospheric ozone, long-term changes of geomagnetic and solar activity, and other drivers play a role as well, although greenhouse gases appear to be the main driver of long-term trends. This makes the pattern of trends more complex and variable. A?consistent, although incomplete, scenario of trends in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere is presented. Trends in F2-region ionosphere parameters, in mesosphere-lower thermosphere dynamics, and in noctilucent or polar mesospheric clouds, are discussed in more detail. Advances in observational and theoretical analysis have explained some previous discrepancies in this global trend scenario. An important role in trend investigations is played by model simulations, which facilitate understanding of the mechanisms behind the observed trends.     

Coronal streamers' theories

Some theoretical aspects of solar coronal streamers are discussed with emphasis on the current sheet and reconnection processes going on along the axis of the streamer. The dynamics of the streamer is a combination of MHD and transport, with acceleration of particles due to reconnection and leakage of plasma outwards as a slow solar wind as the observable results. The presence of the almost-closed magnetic bottles of streamers that can store high-energy particles for significant times provides the birdcage for solar cosmic rays, the reconnection in the sheet feeds medium-energy protons into the corona for the large-scale storage needed for certain flare models, and the build-up of excess density sets the stage for coronal mass ejections.     

Signature of coronal holes and streamers in the interplanetary space

The properties of different solar wind streams depend on the large scale structure of the coronal magnetic field. We present average values and distributions of bulk parameters (density, velocity, temperature, mass flux, momentum, and kinetic and thermal energy, ratio of thermal and magnetic pressure, as well as the helium abundance) as observed on board the Prognoz 7 satellite in different types of the solar wind streams. Maximum mass flux is recorded in the streams emanating from the coronal streamers while maximum thermal and kinetic energy fluxes are observed in the streams from the coronal holes. The momentum fluxes are equal in both types of streams. The maximum ratio of thermal and magnetic pressure is observed in heliospheric current sheet. The helium abundance in streams from coronal holes is higher than in streams from streamers, and its dependences on density and mass flux are different in different types of the streams. Also, the dynamics of -particle velocity and temperature relative to protons in streams from coronal holes and streamers is discussed.     

Solar Influences on Dynamical Coupling Between the Stratosphere and Troposphere

We use a simplified atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) to investigate the response of the lower atmosphere to thermal perturbations in the lower stratosphere. The results show that generic heating of the lower stratosphere tends to weaken the sub-tropical jets and the tropospheric mean meridional circulations. The positions of the jets, and the extent of the Hadley cells, respond to the distribution of the stratospheric heating, with low latitude heating displacing them poleward, and uniform heating displacing them equatorward. The patterns of response to the low latitude heating are similar to those found to be associated with solar variability in previous observational data analysis, and to the effects of varying solar UV radiation in sophisticated AGCMs. In order to investigate the chain of causality involved in converting the stratospheric thermal forcing to a tropospheric climate signal we conduct an experiment which uses an ensemble of model spin-ups to analyse the time development of the response to an applied stratospheric perturbation. We find that the initial effect of the change in static stability at the tropopause is to reduce the eddy momentum flux convergence in this region. This is followed by a vertical transfer of the momentum forcing anomaly by an anomalous mean circulation to the surface, where it is partly balanced by surface stress anomalies. The unbalanced part drives the evolution of the vertically integrated zonal flow. We conclude that solar heating of the stratosphere may produce changes in the circulation of the troposphere even without any direct forcing below the tropopause. We suggest that the impact of the stratospheric changes on wave propagation is key to the mechanisms involved.     

Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Jets: From Launch to Termination

Long-lived, stable jets are observed in a wide variety of systems, from protostars, through Galactic compact objects to active galactic nuclei (AGN). Magnetic fields play a central role in launching, accelerating, and collimating the jets through various media. The termination of jets in molecular clouds or the interstellar medium deposits enormous amounts of mechanical energy and momentum, and their interactions with the external medium, as well, in many cases, as the radiation processes by which they are observed, are intimately connected with the magnetic fields they carry. This review focuses on the properties and structures of magnetic fields in long-lived jets, from their launch from rotating magnetized young stars, black holes, and their accretion discs, to termination and beyond. We compare the results of theory, numerical simulations, and observations of these diverse systems and address similarities and differences between relativistic and non-relativistic jets in protostellar versus AGN systems. On the observational side, we focus primarily on jets driven by AGN because of the strong observational constraints on their magnetic field properties, and we discuss the links between the physics of these jets on all scales.     

The Role of Dynamics in Solar Forcing

This paper reviews the solar influence on climate through stratospheric dynamical processes. There are two possible processes, both being a consequence of the wave-mean flow interaction in the upper stratosphere. One involves changes in the vertical propagation of planetary waves and the resultant tropospheric circulation change in the extratropics of the winter hemisphere. The other involves change in the global meridional circulation in the stratosphere and associated convective activity change in the tropics. These processes have been discussed on an 11-year solar cycle, but they are also applicable for centennial-scale solar influence on climate.     

合成射流激励器实现共轴射流掺混控制

对多排列合成射流激励器控制共轴射流掺混流场进行了详细的二维非定常数值模拟。结果表明,激励器的采用可以增强共轴射流的掺混效果;相邻合成射流产生涡对在孔口处经过相互耦合,形成了更强的旋涡对,并以一种新生合成射流作用周围流场;两排激励器较单排激励器相比,前者控制掺混能力更强,这主要是由于相邻合成射流比单个合成射流有着更显著作用力的缘故。     

Probability of error for BPSK modulation from electrostaticinterference [in orbital situation]

In an orbital situation any spacecraft is bombarded by charged particles that span a broad range of energies. Some of the particles may be trapped within the materials of the spacecraft. Recent data indicates that an S-band phased-array antenna on a spacecraft may experience electrostatic discharges from such ion deposition at the elements of the array. These discharges may induce RF interference of sufficient magnitude to degrade transponder performance. This issue is addressed by considering the degradation to a binary phase shift keying (BPSK) signal. A simple model for the electrostatic phenomenon is described, and error probabilities are evaluated. The discharges and induced pulse rates are shown to be well below the interference level