Associative Electron Detachment in Sprites

Autor:	A. Malagón‐Romero, A. Luque, Nicholas S. Shuman, Thomas M. Miller, Shaun G. Ard, Albert A. Viggiano
Jazyk:	angličtina
Rok vydání:	2024
Předmět:	sprite lightning electron detachment plasma chemistry computational physics streamer discharge Geophysics. Cosmic physics QC801-809
Zdroj:	Geophysical Research Letters, Vol 51, Iss 11, Pp n/a-n/a (2024)
Druh dokumentu:	article
ISSN:	1944-8007 0094-8276
DOI:	10.1029/2023GL107990
Popis:	Abstract The balance of processes affecting electron density drives the dynamics of upper‐atmospheric electrical events, such as sprites. We examine the detachment of electrons from negatively charged atomic oxygen (O−) via collisions with neutral molecular nitrogen (N2) leading to the formation of nitrous oxide (N2O). Past research posited that this process, even without significant vibrational excitation of N2, strongly impacts the dynamics of sprites. We introduce updated rate coefficients derived from recent experimental measurements which suggest a negligible influence of this reaction on sprite dynamics. Given that previous rates were incompatible with the observed decay of the light emissions from sprite glows, our findings support that glows actually result from electron depletion in sprite columns.
Databáze:	Directory of Open Access Journals
Externí odkaz:	https://doaj.org/article/7452a729459c4cf5915ac2ffe022defc Zobrazit plný text záznamu Plný text View record in DOAJ