Gamma-rays associated with nearby thunderstorms at ground level

Rebecca Ringuette, Louisiana State University
Michael L. Cherry, Louisiana State University
Douglas Granger, Louisiana State University
T. Gregory Guzik, Louisiana State University
Michael Stewart, Louisiana State University
John P. Wefel, Louisiana State University

Abstract

The TGF and Energetic Thunderstorm Rooftop Array (TETRA) is an array of NaI scintillators located at rooftop level on the campus of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From July 2010 through March 2014, TETRA has detected 28 millisecond-duration bursts of gamma-rays at energies 50 keV - 2 MeV associated with nearby (< 8 km) thunderstorms. The ability to observe ground-level Terrestrial Gamma Flashes from close to the source allows a unique analysis of the storm cells producing these events. The results of the initial analysis will be presented.