Role of meteoric dust in sprite formation

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2001-07, Vol.28 (13), p.2593-2596
Main Authors: Zabotin, N. A., Wright, J. W.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2000GL012699