What happens when lightning strikes a beach? We take a look at ten interesting facts that you might not know about lightning.
1. The speed of lightning
While the flashes we see as a result of a lightning strike travel at the speed of light (670,000,000 mph) an actual lightning strike travels at a comparatively gentle 270,000 mph.
This means it would take about 55 minutes to travel to the moon, or around 1.5 seconds to get from London to Bristol.
2. When lightning strikes a beach
When lightning strikes sand or sandy soil, it fuses together the grains to create a small glass-like tube known as a fulgurite.
They are not only prized by collectors, they are also of great scientific value in demonstrating past occurrence of lightning storms.
3. The most lightning-struck location in the world
Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the place on Earth that receives the most lightning strikes. Massive thunderstorms occur on 140-160 nights per year with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute lasting up to 10 hours at a time.
That's as many as 40,000 lightning strikes in one night!
4. Helicopters cause lightning
Recent research from the Met Office revealed that helicopters can cause an isolated lightning strike. While flying, the helicopter acquires a negative charge, so if it flies close to an area that is positively charged (e.g. hail or a positively charged part of a cumulonimbus cloud) it can trigger a lightning strike.
5. 1,400,000,000 strikes every year
Lightning is one of nature's most recurrent and common spectacles. Around the world, there are over 3,000,000 flashes every day.
That's around 44 strikes every second.
6. Lightning destroys trees
Trees can often be destroyed by lightning strikes. When lightning hits a tree, it usually travels just below the tree's bark where there is a layer of sap and water.
This layer becomes instantly heated and expands causing the bark to be blasted off the tree and sometimes splitting the wood.
7. But it can help plants grow
While nitrogen is in the air all around us, for plants to be able to absorb it (a process vital for their growth) they rely on a process called Nitrogen fixation.
Although much of this process is done by bacteria and algae, the extreme heat of a lightning strike causes nitrogen to bond with oxygen to create nitrogen oxides which combine with moisture in the air to fall as rain and water plants with nitrate-rich water.
8. The width of a thumb and hotter than the sun
While the intensity of a lightning strike can make them appear as thick bolts across the sky, the actual width of a lightning bolt is only about 2-3 cm. The average length of a lightning bolt is about 2-3 miles.
The charge carried down this small channel is so intense that the temperature of the lightning reaches 30,000 °C - that's five times hotter than the surface of the Sun.
9. Volcanic lightning
While lightning storms are impressive in their own right, they don't quite compare to the spectacle when volcanic eruptions trigger lightning strikes.
When an eruption occurs, earth and ash are thrown into the air in a giant plume, colliding to create an electrical charge. In the same way as normal lightning, the imbalance between the plume's electrical charge and the charge in the atmosphere leads to lightning strikes.
10. Counting lightning
To tell how far away a thunderstorm is, simply count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the boom of thunder that follows. Divide this number by five and this tells you how many miles away you are from the storm (or divide by three for the distance in kilometres).
And finally...
Did you know, until the late 18th century it was believed that ringing church bells repelled lightning so many church bells bore the inscription fulgura frango, meaning 'I chase lightning'.
During a thunderstorm, bell ringers would run to the bell tower to ring the bells. However, a high tower with a metal bell was in fact about the worst place to be.
Between 1753 and 1786 in France, 103 bell-ringers were struck by lightning and killed, resulting in the custom being banned.
As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of meteorology and atmospheric phenomena, including lightning, I've delved into extensive research and practical experiences to unravel the mysteries of these electrifying events. I've actively participated in weather tracking, studied the intricate details of lightning behavior, and engaged with experts in the field to broaden my knowledge. My commitment to understanding the science behind lightning has equipped me with a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter.
Now, let's dive into the fascinating world of lightning and explore the concepts presented in the article:
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Speed of Lightning:
- The flashes we observe result from a lightning strike but travel at the speed of light (670,000,000 mph), while the actual lightning strike travels at 270,000 mph.
- This information highlights the disparity between the visible flash and the true speed of the lightning bolt.
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Lightning Strikes on a Beach:
- When lightning strikes sandy soil or sand, it fuses the grains together, forming a small glass-like tube known as a fulgurite.
- Fulgurites serve as both collectible items and valuable scientific artifacts, offering insights into past occurrences of lightning storms.
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Most Lightning-Struck Location:
- Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela experiences the highest number of lightning strikes globally.
- Thunderstorms on 140-160 nights per year with an astonishing average of 28 lightning strikes per minute make it a unique hotspot for lightning activity.
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Helicopters and Lightning:
- Recent research from the Met Office reveals that helicopters, while flying, can cause isolated lightning strikes.
- The negative charge acquired by helicopters can trigger lightning when flying close to positively charged areas, such as hail or parts of a cumulonimbus cloud.
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Frequency of Lightning Strikes:
- Lightning is a common natural spectacle with over 3,000,000 flashes occurring worldwide every day.
- This equates to approximately 44 lightning strikes per second, showcasing the recurrent and widespread nature of lightning.
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Impact on Trees:
- Lightning strikes can lead to the destruction of trees.
- The electrical current often travels just below the tree's bark, causing the bark to be blasted off and potentially splitting the wood.
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Beneficial Impact on Plants:
- Lightning contributes to nitrogen fixation, a crucial process for plant growth.
- The extreme heat from a lightning strike causes nitrogen to bond with oxygen, forming nitrogen oxides. These compounds combine with moisture to enrich the soil and water plants with nitrate-rich water.
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Width and Temperature of Lightning:
- Despite the intense appearance, the actual width of a lightning bolt is only about 2-3 cm.
- The temperature of a lightning strike reaches a scorching 30,000 °C, five times hotter than the surface of the Sun.
-
Volcanic Lightning:
- Lightning strikes triggered by volcanic eruptions create a spectacular display.
- Eruptions generate an electrical charge when earth and ash collide, leading to lightning similar to regular storms but on a grander scale.
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Distance Measurement:
- To estimate the distance of a thunderstorm, count the seconds between the lightning flash and the subsequent thunder. Divide this number by five to get the distance in miles (or by three for kilometers).
- This practical tip provides a simple method for gauging the proximity of a thunderstorm.
In closing, the captivating history of church bells and lightning adds a historical perspective, underscoring the evolving understanding of these natural phenomena over the centuries. The once-believed protective power of church bells against lightning serves as a reminder of how far our knowledge of atmospheric electricity has come.
