MODEL OF X-RAY-EMISSION AND FAST PRECONDITIONING DURING A THUNDERSTORM

A quantitative self-consistent model of the processes determined by th e multiple runaway breakdoun caused by the thunderstorm electric field is presented for the first time. It describes in detail the bremsstra hlung emission and fast charge transfer, and reaches a qualitative agr eement with the earlier observations obtained during a balloon flight through a thunderstorm. The model demonstrates the exact realization o f a fast charge transfer in a thunderstorm cloud. This process first p redicted by Gurzvich et al. [Phys. Lett. A 165 (1992) 463] is determin ed by multiple runaway breakdown. It plays an important role, may be e ven a decisive one in the lightning triggering and has a strong influe nce on the development of a thunderstorm. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevi er Science B.V.