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

拟议项目的重点是探测中西部高平原夏季经常观测到的中尺度对流系统上方的闪电。这项调查需要使用无线电波诊断技术来检查平流层和中间层电离片(如果有的话)的产生。提议在1995年夏季进行为期三周的宣传活动；试验期的时间安排是为了利用将用于探测精灵和蓝色喷气式飞机的地面光学诊断。如果所提出的观测战略是有效的，就可以实施更复杂的诊断系统，以精确定义光学目击所涉及的大气物理学。

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.