Scientists at the Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory on Mount Aragats have uncovered new insights into a mysterious atmospheric phenomenon known as Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs). Led by physicist Ashot Chilingarian, the research offers a deeper understanding of how thunderstorms affect the Earth’s atmosphere and could shed light on larger cosmic processes.
TGEs are intense bursts of electromagnetic activity that occur during thunderstorms, where electrons are accelerated to high speeds by strong electric fields. These accelerated electrons produce gamma rays, a type of high-energy radiation, as they collide with atomic nuclei in the atmosphere. The phenomenon has been largely overlooked in previous thunderstorm research, but scientists now believe it plays a significant role in our understanding of atmospheric and cosmic physics.
Chilingarian’s team has been monitoring TGEs using a network of particle detectors installed across Eastern Europe, Germany, and Armenia. The detectors recorded 56 intense TGEs in 2023, with the most powerful event occurring on Mount Lomnický štít in Slovakia. During this event, the particle flux was 100 times higher than the normal, fair-weather level.
One of the most surprising findings was the proximity of the electric fields to the ground. Scientists detected strong electric fields just 50 meters (164 feet) above the Earth’s surface, a discovery that has astonished meteorologists. “This discovery was unexpected, and many meteorologists didn’t believe it until we presented exhaustive proof,” said Chilingarian.
The research also found that these electric fields could remain stable for several minutes, maintaining a steady flow of electrons across a large area. This consistency, combined with the low height of the electric fields, provides new insights into the structure of thunderstorms and the role of TGEs in facilitating lightning strikes.
In addition to the TGE research, Chilingarian and his colleagues have been studying solar and space events using the same mountaintop equipment. The team has detected particles from solar flares and even distant cosmic events, further connecting atmospheric processes to larger cosmic phenomena.
The findings from this groundbreaking research will be published in Physical Review D and are expected to contribute to ongoing studies of atmospheric, solar, and cosmic physics.