What is Lightning?
Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It is a sudden flash of light caused by the discharge of electricity between clouds or between a cloud and the ground.
How Does Lightning Form?
Lightning is the result of the buildup of static electricity in the atmosphere. As clouds move and collide, the negative charges at the bottom of the cloud are attracted to the positive charges on the Earth’s surface, creating a bolt of lightning.
Types of Lightning
- Cloud-to-Cloud Lightning
- Cloud-to-Ground Lightning
- Ground-to-Cloud Lightning
Impact of Lightning
Lightning can have devastating effects on individuals and infrastructure. It can cause fires, damage power lines, and injure or kill people and animals.
Case Study: Lightning in the United States
In the United States, an average of 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occurs each year. Florida is the lightning capital of the United States, with an average of 90 thunderstorm days per year.
Protecting Against Lightning
It is important to take precautions during a thunderstorm to protect yourself from lightning strikes. Seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle, avoid open areas, and stay away from tall objects.
