Prebreakdown air ionization in the atmosphere

摘要: This chapter is devoted to the analysis of electron-ionization and -elimination processes at early stages electric-discharge development in air altitudes mainly 0–90 km. In this chapter, ionization an external electric field, as well background by fast particles electron attachment detachment with participation atomic molecular oxygen, are considered. Temperature concentration dependences rate constants described. Analysis models allowing simplified approaches detailed computation undertaken. It shown that breakdown process air, under influence comprises several different respect over Earth. Numerical modeling on basis a plasma chemical model, taking into account heating gas discharge, has relaxation leading also lead appearance nonlinear stage breakdown. The considered phenomena can be convenient consideration high-altitude origination natural discharges fields thunderstorm clouds.