Energy spectra of electrons and gamma rays produced by the electron accelerator in thunderclouds

Abstract We measure energy spectra of electrons and gamma rays of electromagnetic avalanches developed in the electrified atmosphere as they arrive at the earth’s surface at 3200 m height where Aragats research station is located. We compare intensities and spectra shapes of 2 thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGE) observed in June and September 2020 with simulated ones. Although, the variants of electric field strength and topology assumed in the simulations are too simplified to reproduce the rather complicated and dynamic nature of the atmospheric electric field the closeness of several measured and observed parameters allows us to confirm that the relativistic runaway electron avalanches (RREA) is the origin of TGE, and to outline most probable characteristics of the atmospheric electric field for particular observed TGE events.