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Watson & Marshall 2007
Watson, S.S. and Marshall, T.C. (2007). Current propagation model for a narrow bipolar pulse. Geophysical Research Letters 34: doi: 10.1029/2006GL027426. issn: 0094-8276.

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 W 107 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 C7km.

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Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Processes, Atmospheric electricity, Ionosphere, Electric fields, Ionosphere, Wave propagation (0689, 3285, 4275, 4455, 6934)
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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