On blue jet dynamics

Abstract

A model is proposed for blue jets [Sentman and Wescott, 1995; Wescott et al., 1995a], which explains their dynamics, in particular the jet vertical velocity of about 100 km/s, the terminal altitudes of about 40–50 km, and the competitive occurrence of blue jets and the recently discovered blue starters [Wescott et al., 1995b]. A blue jet is considered to be formed by an attachment‐controlled ionizing wave, which moves upward via an electron avalanche in the wavefront due to the mainly vertical, downward directed quasi‐electrostatic field, caused by the extraordinarily large (>100 C) charge transfer in a high‐altitude intracloud discharge or in a positive cloud‐to‐ground discharge with a long continuing current.

Streamer‐ and leader‐like processes in the upper atmosphere: Models of red sprites and blue jets

“…Earlier BJ theories included the runaway breakdown [ Roussel ‐ Dupré and Gurevich , 1996] and gigantic streamers of positive [ Pasko et al , 1996] and negative [ Sukhorukov et al , 1996] polarity. More rigorous analysis made by Petrov and Petrova [1999] came to the conclusion that BJs are formed by the streamer zone of a leader (streamer corona).…”

Leader–streamers nature of blue jets

“…The first published theoretical models suggested that Jets are either gigantic positive streamers (Pasko et al, 1996) or negative streamers (Sukhorukov et al, 1996) produced by lightning discharges. The runaway breakdown model (Roussel-Dupre and Gurevich, 1996) also assumes that Jet brings a negative charge.…”

New evidence for the brightness and ionization of blue starters and blue jets

“…The streamers would have a concentration of positive charges at the front. Sukhorukov et al [1996] proposed negative streamers as the cause of jets but required a positive CG (+CG) flash to initiate the streamer. Roussel-Duprd et al [1998] 5.…”