On the physics of high altitude lightning

Past and recent observations indicate the presence of lightning at altitudes in excess of 30 kin. The phenome- non is manifested as a high altitude optical flash, correlated with the presence of giant thunderstorms in the atmosphere below. This letter presents the first physical model of the process. The model is based on low frequency RF break- down of the upper atmosphere, ignited by the upward prop- agating electromagnetic pulses due to conventional low alti- tude lightning. Horizontal intercloud lightning strokes form the optimal configuration. Horizontal lightning discharges with cloud-to-cloud moment charge ~ 6,000 -- 8,000 C-kin account for the observed level of optical emissions.

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