Overview

• The Photoelectric Feedback Discharge model quantitatively links strong thundercloud electric fields to X-ray emissions and runaway electron avalanches that initiate lightning.
• Validation against data from ground sensors, satellites and NASA ER-2 and U-2 flights confirms the model accurately simulates natural thunderstorm conditions.
• The framework explains terrestrial gamma-ray flashes as products of relativistic electron avalanches, clarifying why these bursts often lack visible or radio signatures.
• Equations and time-dependent formulations of the model have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research for use by the wider research community.
• Zaid Pervez’s comparison with prior modeling and observations, including compact intercloud discharges, further corroborates the model’s mechanisms.