Sprites, transient optical emissions in the middle atmosphere, were first discovered accidentally in 1989. Since then, numerous observations have been made to investigate the mechanisms of this mysterious phenomena and its relationship with the underlying lightning and thunderstorms. Yet, it is still not known why some thunderstorms produce sprites while others do not. This book, therefore, provides comprehensive analysis on sprites-producing and non-sprites producing summer thunderstorms, by using multiple data from Doppler radar, lightning location network, TRMM, MTSAT satellite images, NCEP and radiosonde. Although this book is based on case study, and no significant differences were found, the detailed analysis of the lightning activity, dynamical, thermodynamical and microphysical features of the thunderstorms (both with and without sprites) will hopefully prove to be a valuable source of information for researchers interested in launching another attempt, or anyone else who may be interested in atmospheric electricity and forecast of sprites and lightning, so that their detrimental effects on people, property, and society can be prevented or mitigated.

Jing Yang, Associate Professor, LAGEO, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, CAS. Research interests: atmospheric electricity, transient luminous events, thunderstorms, lightning physics, electromagnetics, space physics. Member of Youth Innovation Promotion Association, CAS. Committee member of Lightning committee in Chinese Meteorological Society.