The results of studies of the dynamics of near-electrode processes in the initial phase of the spark are presented. discharge in air at atmospheric pressure in the tip – plane geometry. Near the surface of a flat After the breakdown of the cathode, regions with a size of about 50 μm and more were recorded with an increased electron concentration of (3–8)•10^19 cm^(– 3). Based on experimental data on erosion the effect of a discharge on the surface of a flat electrode and the associated gas-dynamic effects a physical model of near-electrode processes is proposed, based on which estimates are made gas dynamic parameters.