  In terms of the quark-gluon string model the analysis of the classic
procedure to estimate the energy of giant air showers with help of the
parameter s(600) (a density of energy deposition in the scintillator at a
distance of 600 m from the shower core) have been carried out. Simulations of
the signal s(600) with help of the CORSIKA code in terms of the hybrid scheme
show energy estimates which are approximately a factor of 1.6 times lower than
adopted at the Yakutsk array. The energy estimates calculated with the help of
the Cherenkov radiation coincide with the experimental data. Simulations of
deposited energy distributions in the atmosphere with help of the GEANT4 code
and the CORSIKA code show that more than 20% of this energy may be deposited at
distances above 100 m from the shower axis.
