Detection of Sprites and Blue Jets with High-Frequency Diagnostics: A Feasibility Study

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The proposed project focuses on the detection of lightning flashes above mesoscale convective systems routinely observed during the summer in the high plains of the Midwest. The investigation entails the use of radio wave diagnostics to examine the production of ionization patches (if any) in the stratosphere and mesosphere. A three-week campaign is proposed for summer 1995; the experimentation period will be timed to take advantage of ground- based optical diagnostics that will be in place for the detection of sprites and blue jets. If the proposed observing strategy is effective, more complex diagnostic systems can be implemented to precisely define the atmospheric physics involved in the optical sightings.