VLF/ELF sferic evidence for in‐cloud discharge activity producing sprites

Abstract

Sprite luminosities produced by winter lightning in Japan were found to be associated with simultaneous occurrences of clusters of radio atmospherics as observed in the VLF range, suggesting an in‐cloud discharge activity. Concurrent ELF data show transient perturbations, indicating continuous charge transfer in causative lightning. These data provide the first evidence that an in‐cloud discharge activity plays an important role in the generation mechanism of sprites.