Probing atmospheric electric fields in thunderstorms through radio emission from extensive air showers

Abstract

We present measurements of radio emission from extensive air showers taking place during thunderstorms. Their intensity and polarization patterns are different from those observed during fair-weather conditions. We introduce a simple two-layer model for atmospheric electric fields which can reproduce the main features of the intensity and polarization patterns of air shower during thunderstorms. This in turn provides a unique way to probe atmospheric electric fields