Lightning-driven phenomena in near-earth space

Intense electromagnetic & quasi-electrostatic fields released in lightning discharges significantly disturb near-Earth space, producing luminous glows known as sprites, elves, and gigantic jets, as well as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes. The highly nonlinear basic physical mechanisms of the production of such phenomena have long been under study, but current research aims at determination of the effects on a global scale, by using extensive ground- and satellite-based observations to assess global occurrence rates. Especially important is the lack of understanding of the properties of the parent lightning discharges that lead to the different high-altitude manifestations.