Atmospheric Stripes: Presentation Outline

1 Atmospheric Stripes: Presentation Outline The Introduction o Atmospheric Sprites o The occurrence of atmospheric sprites was first detected on the 6th of July 1989 by Dr. John Winckler and his associates at Minnesota University. These weather events are commonly observed in North, Central, and South America (Bryd, 2023). They are also common in Europe, Central Africa, and Asia and are triggered by large thunderstorms. o Atmospheric sprites occur in the mesosphere and are often positioned above thunderstorm clouds resulting in various visual images of flickering light in the sky

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o The weather event mainly impacts space explorers and agencies such as NASA. Atmospheric sprites cause the stratosphere to malfunction, resulting in un-commanded payload release (Stratocat, 2023). o Sprites are an essential and relevant weather event as their occurrence triggers the action of steamers, which impact the lower atmosphere. Besides their effect on air motion, sprites also trigger chemical changes in the atmosphere by generating ozone-eating nitrogen oxides (Klotz, 2011).

The Body (Content Sections) o Weather Event

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The meteorological conditions associated with sprites are intense thunderstorms, which are associated with producing powerful and frequent lightning. Positive charge regions are also associated with sprites as they induce an opposite charge in the ionosphere creating an electrical field.

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The direct impact of sprites on the ground is minimal as they occur at high altitudes. Hence, it is difficult to observe these weather events from the ground as they occur above thunderstorms and are characterized by a faint luminosity (Bryd, 2023). However, they may be observed as red lightning.

o Causation factors

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Several causation factors create favorable weather conditions that result in atmospheric sprites. Among this is an accumulation of electrical charge in the clouds. The excess charge is then discharged into the ionosphere, triggering sprites formation (May 2022).

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The advent of sprite formation is explained through the quasi-electrostatic field model and the runaway electron breakdown. According to the quasi-electrostatic field model, the clouds often charge up before lightning is triggered. The discharge induces a negative layer that lingers even after the positive charge is emitted. The presence of the negative layer polarizes the atmosphere and the quasi-static e-field resulting in an electrical breakdown that produces sprites.

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The formation of sprites can also be explained through the runaway electron breakdown model. According to this model, the quasi-static electric field accelerates the production of high-energy electrons emitted by cosmic rays. The collusion fosters the production of new electrons and ions. Collisions cause the newly formed electrons to thermalize while others accelerate toward the electric field, triggering a breakdown. An avalanche effect that supports the exponential growth of electrons is triggered by the accelerating electrons resulting in runaway breakdown. Consequently, optical emissions regarded as sprites are generated through collisional excitation resulting from the action of relativistic and secondary electrons.

o Societal Impacts

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Sprites are not associated with adverse social impacts as they are transient events in high-altitude atmospheres. Therefore, they are not associated with direct shortand long-term social impacts like other traditional weather events such as thunderstorms. Specifically, sprites occur above thunderstorms and do not reach the Earth's surface. Hence, they do not occasion evacuations, property damages, loss of life, or injuries.

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Short-term indirect effects of sprites are that they generate public curiosity and awareness once observed. Their observation sparks scientific interest and research in atmospheric physics. The long-term impacts include public education on sprites and the development of observational technology.

o Weather Readiness

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It is pertinent to familiarize ourselves with the process that triggers Sprites, as this is integral to understanding space weather and its impact on satellite communications. This understanding improves space weather forecasting and related events.

The Conclusion Section o Sprites are common weather events in North, Central, and South American regions, evidenced through red lightning bolts. They are also common in Europe, Central Africa, and Asia and are triggered by large thunderstorms. o While Sprites could have existed for long, they were first detected on the 6th of July 1989 and have been witnessed ever since. o Presently, sprites' short- and long-term impact is unknown as they are transient events in high-altitude atmospheres. o However, the occurrence of Sprites impacts the role of space explorers such as NASA as they trigger a stratosphere malfunction that impacts their atmospheric research studies. o Overall, the knowledge of Sprites is integral to understanding space weather and its impact on satellite communications. o

Closing note: Atmospheric sprites are transient and elusive events relevant to

meteorology and space weather research. While these weather events do not directly impact

5 society like traditional severe weather events, their study offers invaluable insights into the complex interactions between thunderstorms and the upper atmosphere. Exploring this captivating phenomenon can deepen scientists' understanding of space and the atmosphere paving the way for better weather forecasting.

6 References Bryd, D. (2023). What are lightning sprites? How to photograph them. Earthsky.Org. https://earthsky.org/earth/definition-what-are-lightning-sprites/ Florida Institute of Technology (2015). Lightning research deepens understanding of sprite formation. Science Daily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150629080244.htm Klotz, I. (2011). Sprites may play a role in Earth's climate. ABC Science. https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2011/12/08/3386613.htm May, A. (2022). Red lightning: The electrifying weather phenomenon explained. Space.Com. https://www.space.com/red-lightning Stratocat (2023). Balloon-Borde lidar. https://stratocat.com.ar/fichas-e/1989/PAL-19890605.htm