A calculation of the flux and energy spectrum of secondary electrons at high altitudes in the atmosphere

Calculations are carried out to determine the flux and energy spectra of secondary electrons which are produced by the cosmic radiation in the upper layers of the atmosphere. The calculations are valid to an atmospheric depth of about 10 g./cm.² Electron spectra are presented for different depths and locations where measurements of the electron flux have been carried out: Ft. Churchill, Manitoba; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Palestine, Texas; and Hyderabad, India. The calculations are compared with observed electron fluxes during the ascents of balloon flights.