Dynamic friction function. The Monte Carlo model describes the behavior of a high energy electron beam in the atmosphere. Both changes in direction and energy of each particle are calculated. The values of E and B and the angle between them are arbitrary input parameters. The program calculates the change of energetic particle number due to ionization and thermalization.
Ionization increases the number of particles, while thermalization decreases it.
The model provides outputs of particle configurations in the phase space at any given moments of time. The runaway electrons in the middle atmosphere are accelerated upward by the thundercloud electric field. A cartoon describing gamma ray production. Observed terrestrial gamma ray flash. Abstract published in Supplement to Eos, Transactions, AGU, vol.