The general approach to the intended Advanced
Study Institute consists of the classic three teaching elements:
thematic lectures,
tutorials, and
practical work.
Thematic lectures
The general themes of sprite research
can be classified in four different categories:
(I) Meteorology and intense lightning discharges, which
are needed to produce sprites, elves and blue jets,
(II) Optical observations of sprites, elves and blue
jets,
(III) ULF/ELF/VLF radiation of intense lightning discharges
and sprites, and
(IV) Theory and modelling in the areas I-III.
These four general themes clearly exhibit the interdisciplinary character
of sprite research.
Two main thematic lectures of 1.5 hours length each will be given in the morning hours.
Each theme (I-IV) is represented by four lecturers with one particular
topic:
(I) Meteorology and intense lightning discharges
Walt A. Lyons
Earle R. Williams
(doc1)
(doc2)
(ppt)
Yoav Yair
Colin Price
(II) Optical sprite observations
Davis D. Sentman
Elisabeth Blanc (sprite observations from ISS)
Elizabeth Gerken
Yukihiro Takahashi
(III) ULF/ELF/VLF radiation
Umran S. Inan
Craig Rodger
Steven A. Cummer
Yasuhide Hobara
(figs)
(IV) Theory and modelling
Michael Rycroft
Victor P. Pasko: lecture
and tutorial
E. Mareev
Dimitry I. Iudin
Tutorials
The tutorials of theme (I-III) are aimed at
a detailed discussion on the physics behind the measurements, data analysis
and inversion. The tutorials of theme (IV) will cover input parameters, modelling
strategy and parameter sensitivity analysis. The tutorials may
be stimulated by more detailed explanations from the lecturers. Another initiation
mechanism may be given by contributed papers from the students and/or discussion
of the latest research results.
Three parallel tutorials will be held in groups 1-3
in the afternoon to encourage
questions and answers during informal discussions.
The tutorials are 1.5 hours long.
Practice Course
The practice course is intended to demonstrate
the operation of the observing instruments and to clarify the particular difficulties
of making sprite observations in the field. Three practice courses will be
held in the evenings of day 3, 5, and 7 after dinner.
Posters
If students contribute posters on ongoing research
topics, their discussion is generally envisioned on an informal basis during
the free evenings after dinner.
