Abstract
We describe a new phenomenon in atmospheric physics – 222Rn progeny
circulation during thunderstorms. The enhancement of the natural gamma
radiation during thunderstorms was measured with precise gamma ray
spectrometers. Results of measurements performed at Aragats mountain in
Armenia during summer 2020 demonstrate the Rn progeny lifted to the
atmosphere by a near-surface electric field are returned back to the
ground by rain precipitation. Thus, thunderstorms not only return
negative charge to the Earth by lightning flashes but, also maintain Rn
progeny circulation in the atmosphere; it this way, significantly
enlarging natural gamma radiation above the Earth surface and Radon
concentration in the atmosphere.