An experimental study on the global coupling between the Earth's troposphere and ionosphere through electrical discharges

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In this study, we analyzed satellite optical data and ground-based radio data to elucidate the electromagnetic coupling between the Earth's troposphere and ionosphere through lightning discharges and TLEs (Transient Luminous Events). It was shown that spaceborne optical instruments are useful to derive electrical properties of lightning. Based on the technique we developed here, it was found that the peak current intensity of lightning and the occurrence probability of elves are both higher over ocean than over land. It was also found that lightning discharges tend to have longer continuing current at higher latitudes, which is in good agreement with the result that the occurrence probability of sprites is higher at mid-latitudes than at low-latitudes.