05 Oct 2025
| 05 Oct 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).
Threshold Atmospheric Electric Fields for Initiating Relativistic Runaway Electron Avalanches: Theoretical Estimates and CORSIKA Simulations
Abstract. We examine the threshold Atmospheric Electric Field (Eth) needed to initiate a runaway avalanche process in Earth's atmosphere. We compare the traditional, thirty-year-old theoretical threshold value with its recently updated value, along with the threshold derived from CORSIKA-simulated avalanches (Ez). The altitude dependence of these threshold values is analyzed, considering changes in air density and their effects on avalanche development. This study is vital for understanding high-energy atmospheric phenomena in both the lower and upper atmosphere, including thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) and gamma glows, as well as for refining AEF models based on particle flux measurements.
Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
