X-ray emissions produced by stepping lightning leaders

Wei Xu, Sebastien Celestin, Victor P. Pasko

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

X-ray bursts have been observed in association with rocket-triggered lightning and natural cloud-to-ground lightning [e.g., Dwyer et al., Science, 299, 694-697, 2003; Saleh et al., JGR, 114, D17210, 2009; Schaal et al., JGR, 117, D15201, 2012]. Moreover, recent measurements at the International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) [e.g., Dwyer et al., GRL, 32, L01803, 2005; Howard et al., GRL, 35, L13817, 2008] have established a correlation between these X-ray measurements and the stepping process of lightning leaders. Additionally, it has been suggested that the Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanche (RREA) mechanism is not likely to be responsible for this phenomenon [Dwyer et al., GRL, 31, L12102, 2004]. These X-rays may instead originate from the acceleration of runaway electrons in the lightning leader field during negative corona flash processes [Celestin and Pasko, JGR, 116, A03315, 2011]. However, the properties of X-ray bursts from lightning are poorly known, mainly due to the low fluence of photons detected from the ground.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 United States National Committee of URSI National Radio Science Meeting, USNC-URSI NRSM 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781479931200
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 16 2014
Event2014 United States National Committee of URSI National Radio Science Meeting, USNC-URSI NRSM 2014 - Boulder, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2014Jan 11 2014

Publication series

Name2014 United States National Committee of URSI National Radio Science Meeting, USNC-URSI NRSM 2014

Other

Other2014 United States National Committee of URSI National Radio Science Meeting, USNC-URSI NRSM 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoulder
Period1/8/141/11/14

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'X-ray emissions produced by stepping lightning leaders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this