On $r$-gaps between zeros of the Riemann zeta-function

Abstract: Under the Riemann Hypothesis, we prove for any natural number $r$ there exist infinitely many large natural numbers $n$ such that $(\gamma_{n+r}-\gamma_n)/(2\pi /\log \gamma_n) > r + \Theta\sqrt{r}$ and $(\gamma_{n+r}-\gamma_n)/(2\pi /\log \gamma_n) < r - \vartheta\sqrt{r}$ for explicit absolute positive constants $\Theta$ and $\vartheta$, where $\gamma$ denotes an ordinate of a zero of the Riemann zeta-function on the critical line. Selberg published announcements of this result several times but did not include a proof. We also suggest a general framework which might lead to stronger statements concerning the vertical distribution of nontrivial zeros of the Riemann zeta-function.