## 5 Conclusions  
To sum up, we performed an electrical characterization of the thunderstorms that took place in central Argentina on 10 November 2018 and observed their effect on the ionosphere. As a result, we obtained that the thunderstorm produced disturbances with periods less than or equal to 100 min and peak-to-peak DVTEC amplitudes up to 1.35 TECU. These findings are in agreement with the investigations of [44; 53], which identified waves with similar periodicities and determined average periods for different regions of the world. These disturbances, known as atmospheric gravity waves, appeared to be related to the thunderstorms. Indeed, when the highest lightning count occurred, the highest peak-to-peak amplitudes were obtained in the DVTEC. Therefore, the observed increase in amplitude could be related to an intensification of the updraft or to some other microphysical parameters of the thunderstorm. Another study [1] established a direct relationship between increased thunderstorm activity and DVTEC amplitudes. They found that average disturbance amplitudes on days with severe thunderstorms were 1.3 times higher than on those without thunderstorms. In our case, the average peak-to-peak amplitude on the day with thunderstorms was approximately 2.91 times higher than on the day without. These findings highlight the significant influence of storms on ionospheric variations and underscore the importance of understanding how different factors can contribute to these observed perturbations in the ionosphere. Considering that CG discharges constitute 25% and IC discharges 75% of the atmospheric electrical activity [47], we can conclude that the results found in the percentage of discharges was as expected, since more than 70% of the discharges were of the IC type, mainly of negative polarity. Although we obtained this proportion, we have not yet been able to determine which type of lightning activity plays a fundamental role in the generation of gravity waves in the atmosphere. When comparing the analyzed DVTEC signals, a progressive increase in instability was observed as we moved away from the storm zone. According to [54], \"This may occur since, under suitable conditions, gravity waves as they propagate upward become unstable at higher altitudes and may break up (at an altitude of about 100 km) into secondary waves [12] which continue to propagate upward, possibly modulating the E-region plasma distribution producing polarization electric fields that map the F-region ionosphere [55].\" Moreover, there are authors, such as [56; 57], who suggest that these disturbances in the ionosphere may be due to vertical transport of electrostatic discharge [4]. Others have suggested [58] that this may be caused by Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), which would induce fluctuations in the D region of the ionosphere [4]. This would indicate that gravity waves can be found beyond the thunderstorm zone. In the investigation of gravity waves generated in our territory, it is essential to consider not only the regional seismic activity, the presence of storms, and weather fronts, but also the influence of the Andes Mountains and the local effect of Patagonia, as they have recently been identified as the epicenter of the most intense gravity wave activity in the world [51; 52]. These elements could potentially converge to generate a coupling phenomenon in gravity waves originating in the region. Additionally, we should consider medium-scale traveling disturbances since, for mid-latitudes, they exhibit a specific alignment and direction in each hemisphere [14]. Consequently, decoupling these wave phenomena is a challenge, since they could also contribute to the studied aspects; we intend to study these due to the unique characteristics of the investigated region. Conceptualization, C.I.V.A., M.G.N., A.M., M.P.N., and E.E.A. ; methodology, C.I.V.A., M.G.N., A.M., M.P.N., and E.E.A. ; software, C.I.V.A., A.M., and M.P.N. ; validation, C.I.V.A., M.G.N., A.M., M.P.N., and E.E.A.