Global Thunderstorm Activity and its Effects on the Radiation Belts and the Lower Ionosphere

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Abstract 9615855 Inan This project operates very low frequency (VLF) radio receivers at Palmer Station, Antarctica for the purpose of studying ionospheric disturbance caused by global lightning. The principal mode of operation is to measure changes in amplitude and phase of signals received from several distant VLF transmitters. These changes occur in the VLF signals following lightening strokes because radio (whistler) waves from the lightening can cause the precipitation into the upper atmosphere of very energetic electrons from the Van Allan radiation belts, which then cause increased ionization in the ionosphere, thus affecting the propagating VLF radio waves. Because the directions to the VLF transmitters are known, it is possible to remotely track the path of the thunderstorms causing the changes. The Palmer receivers are operating as a collaboration with the British and Brazilian Antarctic Programs, both of which operate similar receivers. This project contributes to the Global Change initiative. ***