On fractal dimension spectrum of new lightning discharge types in ionosphere: elves, jets and sprites

Abstract

Starting from the middle of nineties of XX a new phenomenon became the focus of physicists’ interest – lightning electric discharge in the middle atmosphere at attitudes from 20 to 100 kilometers which are above the absolute majority of clouds. It results in rise of absolutely new classes of discharge phenomena. Physical properties of elves, jets and sprites which are the most interesting types of the high-attitude discharges in the atmosphere are considered in the work. The results of researches of its fractal characteristics are presented. The obtained results give grounds for a deeper insight of development, relaxation of such atmosphere processes and taking into account of action of such kind of strays on functioning of radio systems.