High-energy photons connected to atmospheric precipitations

Abstract

Increases in intensity of X-radiation in the ground layer of the atmosphere observed during various atmospheric phenomena in two points: Apatity (Kola Peninsula) and Barentsburg (Spitsbergen) have been studied. A clear relationship between the increases and such atmospheric phenomena as rain and snowfall has been found. It is shown that these increases are not connected with any radionuclides. This research suggests that the principal cause of high-energy photons increase during precipitations are bremsstrahlung X-rays created by energetic electrons accelerated by electric fields in the clouds. A possible mechanism of generation of X-ray photons is discussed. © Author(s) 2011.