Analysis of fundamental interactions capable of producing neutrons in thunderstorms

Elementary processes capable of producing neutrons in thunderstorms are analyzed. Efficiency is evaluated of nuclear fusion, photonuclear reaction, electrodisintegration, and reaction inverse to the β-decay . An extraordinary strong electric field is required for nuclear fusion to occur in a lightning channel. The inverse to β-decay reactions are too weak. The generation of neutrons in a thunderstorm is connected with photonuclear and, to a lesser degree, with electrodisintegration reactions.