The natural electron accelerator in the clouds above Aragats high-altitude research station in Armenia operates continuously in 2017 providing more than 100 Thunderstorm Ground enhancements (TGEs). ...Most important discovery based on analysis of 2017 data is observation and detailed description of the long-lasting TGEs. We present TGE catalog for 2 broad classes according to presence or absence of the high-energy particles. In the catalog was summarized several key parameters of the TGEs and related meteorological and atmospheric discharge observations. The statistical analysis of the data collected in tables reveals the months when TGEs are more frequent, the daytime when TGEs mostly occurred, the mean distance to lightning flash that terminates TGE and many other interesting relations. Separately was discussed the sharp count rate decline and following removal of high-energy particles from the TGE flux after a lightning flash. ADEI multivariate visualization and statistical analysis platform make analytical work on sophisticated problems rather easy; one can try and test many hypotheses very fast and come to a definite conclusion allowing crosscheck and validation.
To catalyze transformative advancements in High-energy Physics in the Atmosphere (HEPA), a comprehensive understanding of particle fluxes, electric fields, and lightning occurrences across ...atmospheric layers is imperative. This paper elucidates the instrumentation and capabilities of the Aragats Space-Environmental Center (ASEC), which encompasses measurement tools for various cosmic ray species, near-surface electric fields, and lightning events integrated across high-mountain research station at slopes of Mt. Aragats and the highest mountains of Eastern Europe and Germany. Through these measurements, we aim to elucidate models of particle acceleration mechanisms and the charge distribution within the lower atmosphere. We introduce an Advanced Data Extraction Infrastructure (ADEI) integrated with sophisticated statistical analysis tools to facilitate rapid access to this wealth of data. Despite the significance of these atmospheric processes, the intricate interplay between thundercloud electrification, lightning activity, wideband radio emissions, and particle fluxes remains poorly understood. A particularly compelling avenue of inquiry lies in exploring the relationship between high-energy atmospheric phenomena, intracloud electric fields, and lightning initiation. Furthermore, investigations into accelerated structures within geospace plasmas hold promise for shedding light on particle acceleration processes, potentially extending to higher energies within analogous structures in cosmic plasmas. This paper also examines practical methodologies for extracting meaningful physical insights from temporal datasets, such as correlating surges in particle flux intensity with variations in near-surface electric field strength and precipitation patterns. Additionally, we explore the utility of wideband field and interferometer antenna signals in this context, offering valuable avenues for further research and analysis. Through these endeavors, we aim to deepen our understanding of high-energy atmospheric processes and their broader implications for terrestrial and cosmic phenomena.
Atmospheric discharges and particle fluxes Chilingarian, A.; Chilingaryan, S.; Reymers, A.
Journal of geophysical research. Space physics,
07/2015, Letnik:
120, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Fluxes of the electrons, gamma rays, and neutrons observed by particle detectors located on the Earth's surface during thunderstorms originate so‐called Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs). The ...relativistic runaway electron avalanches giving rise to TGEs originate in the thundercloud's lower dipole between the main negatively charged region in the middle of the thundercloud and transient lower positively charged region. Acceleration of electrons in the upper dipole between main negative and main positive charge regions leads to initiation of the terrestrial gamma flashes (TGFs) intensive researched during the last two decades by orbiting gamma ray observatories. TGFs are exceptionally intense, submillisecond bursts of electromagnetic radiation directed to the open space from the thunderstorm atmosphere. Unlike visible lightning, TGF beams do not create a hot plasma channel and optical flash; hence, in the literature they got name “dark lightning.” We investigate the TGEs development in 1 min and 1 s time series of particle detector count rates. Synchronized time series of the near‐surface electric field and lightning occurrences allows interconnecting two atmospheric phenomena. Registration of the Extensive Air Showers allows approaching problems of relation of the lightning occurrences and particle fluxes.
Key Points
Measured radiation from thunderclouds
Recovered gamma ray and electron fluxes from thunderclouds
Checked the model of electron acceleration in thundercloud
To advance high-energy atmospheric physics, studying atmospheric electric fields (AEF) and cosmic ray fluxes as an interconnected system is crucial. At Mt. Argats, simultaneous measurements of ...particle fluxes, electric fields, weather conditions, and lightning locations have significantly enhanced the validation of models that describe the charge structures of thunderclouds and the mechanics of internal electron accelerators. In 2023, observations of the five largest thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) revealed electric fields exceeding 2.0 kV/cm at elevations just tens of meters above ground—potentially hazardous to rockets and aircraft during launch and charging operations. Utilizing simple yet effective monitoring equipment developed at Aragats, we can mitigate the risks posed by these high-intensity fields. The Mendeley dataset, comprising various measured parameters during thunderstorm activities, enables researchers to perform advanced correlation analysis and uncover complex relationships between these atmospheric phenomena. This study underscores the critical importance of integrated atmospheric studies for ensuring the safety of high-altitude operations and advancing atmospheric science.
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