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Analysis of Electric and Magnetic Lightning-Generated Wave Amplitudes Measured by the Van Allen Probes

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087503· OSTI ID:1630870
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [4];  [4];  [5]
  1. CEA, DAM, DIF, Arpajon (France)
  2. Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
  3. Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
  4. Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States)
  5. Univ. of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Herein we provide a statistical analysis of both electric and magnetic field wave amplitudes of very low frequency lightning-generated waves (LGWs) based on the equivalent of 11.5 years of observations made by the Van Allen Probes encompassing ~24.6 × 106 survey mode measurements. We complement this analysis with data from the ground-based World Wide Lightning Location Network to explore differences between satellite and ground-based measurements. LGW mean amplitudes are found to be low compared with other whistler mode waves (1 ± 1.6 pT and 19 ± 59 μV/m). Extreme events (1/5,000) can reach 100 pT and contributes strongly to the mean power below $$L$$ = 2. We find excellent correlations between World Wide Lightning Location Network-based power and wave amplitudes in space at various longitudes. We reveal strong dayside ionospheric damping of the LGW electric field. LGW amplitudes drop for $$L$$ < 2, contrary to the Earth's intense equatorial lightning activity. We conclude that it is difficult for equatorial LGW to propagate and remain at $$L$$ < 2.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Programs (DP)
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001
OSTI ID:
1630870
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--19-31568
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 47; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

Electric wave power
Heliospheric and magnetospheric physics
Lightning-generated waves
Magnetic wave power
Radiation belts
WWLLN database