Properties of Extensive Air Showers

Abstract

Some general properties of extensive air showers are discussed. The main focus is put on the longitudinal development, in particular the energy flow, and on the lateral distribution of different air shower components. The intention of the paper is to provide a basic introduction to the subject rather than a comprehensive review.

Comments: 11 pages, 9 figures. Invited talk given at the Krakow Epiphany Conference on Astroparticle Physics (January 2004). Proceedings to appear in Acta Physica Polonica B