EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Eack 2004
Eack, K.B. (2004). Electrical characteristics of narrow bipolar events. Geophysical Research Letters 31: doi: 10.1029/2004GL021117. issn: 0094-8276.

Narrow bipolar events (NBE) are the electromagnetic signature of a distinct class of impulsive and energetic intra-cloud discharge that occurs in some thunderstorms. NBE are characterized by strong VHF RF emissions and bipolar waveforms when observed by broadband field-change antennas at large distances. These discharges may occur in isolation or precede and perhaps initiate conventional intra-cloud flashes. When observed at close range, NBE waveforms exhibit electrostatic field changes in addition to the bipolar radiation field change. At extremely close range, the induction and electrostatic fields dominate in our measurements. Using close-range observations in conjunction with the radiation-field measurements, I calculate that on average, an NBE transfers 0.3 C of charge over a distance of 3.2 km and that the discharge wave front propagates at a speed equal to one-half the speed of light.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Atmospheric electricity, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Convective processes, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Lightning, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Instruments and techniques
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit