Ionized columns between thunderstorms and the ionosphere

Abstract

It is shown that, if electrons of relativistic energies are generated within thunderstorms and then ‘run away’ upward above the thunderclouds, their range is probably only a few kilometers; their ionizing effects are therefore localized. Calculations indicate, however, that the bremsstrahlung produced during the stoppage of the electrons can create ionized columns extending to ionospheric heights (about 100 km). If the original runaways exist the bremsstrahlung must be generated, and the possibilities for their detection experimentally are considered. There appears to be a sufficient flux of Compton-scattered photons for detection at thunderhead altitudes at a few kilometers from the thunderstorm.