Lightning

Definition

Lightning is a powerful discharge of electricity that occurs during thunderstorms, resulting from the buildup and release of electrical energy in the atmosphere. This natural phenomenon is accompanied by thunder and can take various forms, such as cloud-to-ground strikes or intra-cloud flashes. Lightning plays a critical role in the dynamics of thunderstorms and is closely linked to the processes involved in their formation and development.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lightning can reach temperatures of around 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the surface of the sun.
2. The process of lightning formation begins with the separation of positive and negative charges within a thunderstorm, creating an electric field.
3. There are approximately 100 lightning strikes per second worldwide, highlighting its frequent occurrence during thunderstorms.
4. Cloud-to-ground lightning is the most dangerous type of lightning, responsible for many injuries and fatalities each year.
5. The sound of thunder is caused by the rapid expansion and contraction of air heated by a lightning strike, creating a shockwave that travels as sound.

Review Questions

• How does the buildup of electrical charges within a thunderstorm lead to lightning formation?
  • The buildup of electrical charges within a thunderstorm occurs due to the collision of ice particles and water droplets in the cloud. This interaction leads to the separation of positive and negative charges, with lighter positive charges rising to the top and heavier negative charges sinking to the bottom. When the electric field becomes strong enough to overcome the resistance of the air, a discharge occurs, resulting in a lightning strike.
• Discuss how lightning contributes to the overall structure and behavior of supercell thunderstorms.
  • Lightning plays a significant role in supercell thunderstorms by influencing their structure and behavior. The intense updrafts in supercells promote charge separation, leading to frequent lightning activity. The presence of lightning can indicate strong updrafts and serve as a marker for areas of severe weather. Additionally, lightning helps maintain the storm's energy balance by facilitating the transfer of energy between different parts of the storm.
• Evaluate the implications of lightning on tornadogenesis within supercell thunderstorms.
  • Lightning has significant implications for tornadogenesis in supercell thunderstorms. The electrical activity associated with lightning indicates strong vertical wind shear and instability within the storm. This environment fosters the development of rotating updrafts called mesocyclones, which are critical for tornado formation. Understanding lightning patterns can provide insights into potential tornado activity and improve warning systems for severe weather events.

Related terms

Thunderstorm: A storm characterized by the presence of thunder and lightning, typically associated with heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.

Electrostatic Discharge: The sudden flow of electricity between two charged objects, which can occur within clouds, between clouds, or between a cloud and the ground.

Tornado: A rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, often associated with severe weather conditions including lightning.