Lower positive charge region (LPCR) and its influence on initiation of Thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) and cloud-to-ground (CG-) and intracloud (IC-) lightning occurrences

Abstract

We discuss role of the LPCR model in the initiation of intracloud and cloud-to-ground lightning as well as in accelerated electrons in positive field within the cloud. Our analysis is based on the thunderstorm data from the Aragats Mountain in Armenia, 3200 m a.s.l. The electrical mill and lightning detectors are monitoring the near surface electrical field, distance and type of lightning occurrences, particle detectors register fluxes of neutral and charged particles associated with thunderstorms. The relations of particle fluxes to electrical structure of thunderclouds and – to lightning occurrences of different types were established and discussed. Our analysis supports the transient character of emerging LPCR and confirms blocking of CG- lightning occurrences by the mature LPCR. High particle fluxes, associated with thunderstorms, so called Thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) prove the existence of the LCPR and its transient character.