The high-energy physics in the atmosphere (HEPA) undergoes a profound transformation in the last decade. Correlated measurements of particle fluxes modulated by strong atmospheric electric fields, of wideband waveforms originating from atmospheric discharges, optical emission in the lower atmosphere, along with registration of a variety of meteorological parameters on the earth’s surface (including near-surface electric field and geomagnetic field), is rewarded by a better understanding of very complicated processes in the thunderous atmosphere. The synergy of the Cosmic Ray and Atmospheric physics lead to the development of models of the origin of particle bursts registered on the earth’s surface, the vertical profile of the strong electric field in the lower atmosphere, muon stopping effect, interrelations of particle fluxes and lightning flashes, circulation of Radon progenies, and others.
The successes of the multivariate measurements of the last decade put the HEPA the priority science areas in both the Cosmic Ray and the Atmospheric physics communities. The HEPA research intensifies the development of new methods of testing models and theories on atmospheric electricity, particularly in conditions that are related to the most important processes that influence earth's environments.