Sprites Lightning and Thunderstorms

Sprites transient optical emissions in the middle atmosphere were first discovered accidentally in 1989. Since then numerous observations have been made to investigate the mechanisms of this mysterious phenomena and its relationship with the underlying lightning and thunderstorms. Yet it is still not known why some thunderstorms produce sprites while others do not. This book therefore provides comprehensive analysis on sprites-producing and non-sprites producing summer thunderstorms by using multiple data from Doppler radar lightning location network TRMM MTSAT satellite images NCEP and radiosonde. Although this book is based on case study and no significant differences were found the detailed analysis of the lightning activity dynamical thermodynamical and microphysical features of the thunderstorms (both with and without sprites) will hopefully prove to be a valuable source of information for researchers interested in launching another attempt or anyone else who may be interested in atmospheric electricity and forecast of sprites and lightning so that their detrimental effects on people property and society can be prevented or mitigated.