Abstract
The authors present a model for the enhanced fluxes of electrons and gamma rays correlated with thunderstorms and the direct evidence of the relativistic runaway electron avalanches developed in the terrestrial thunderous atmosphere.
Highlights
In Refs. [1,2], we describe a new phenomenon in highenergy atmospheric physics, namely, a flux of electrons and gamma rays lasting for several hours that correlates with a thunderstorm and smoothly decays after cessation of a storm
We describe the thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) phenomenon as a mixture of two separate processes, both having roots in the electric fields emerging during thunderstorms
The temporal evolution of the long-lasting TGEs measured by particle detectors with a low threshold (∼300 keV) is controlled by three processes: relativistic runaway electron avalanches (RREA), modification of electron energy spectra (MOS), and Rn-220 progenies gamma radiation
Summary
Natural gamma radiation (NGR), one of the major geophysical parameters directly connected with cloud electrification and lightning initiation, is highly enhanced during thunderstorms. At low energies below 3 MeV, the enhancement of NGR is due to natural isotope radiation, and for energies up to 50 MeV, it is due to the operation of the newly discovered electron accelerators in the thunderclouds. We present a comprehensive model of the enhanced fluxes of radiation incident on the earth’s surface during thunderstorms. As a direct evidence of RREA, we present photographs of optical emission during the development of electron-gamma ray cascades in the atmosphere. The models used for the forecasting of thunderstorms and other severe atmospheric phenomena need an accurate account of the ionizing radiation in the atmosphere. The airglows can influence the operation of optical, fluorescence, and atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes and fluorescence detectors
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
