A few severe storms occurred in Alabama yesterday, and significant lightning accompanied the storms. Lightning acts as a beautiful and fascinating weather phenomena that also serves a purpose. An entire lecture could be given about the intricate causes of lightning formation. However, meteorologists have developed a fairly simple explanation for the creation of lighting. The exact process varies from scientist to scientist, but the overall concept remains the same.
In my understanding, there are four steps necessary for lightning formation. In the first step, there is separation of charges in a cloud, for debated causes. The positive charges remain in the upper level of the cloud, repelling negative charges to the bottom. These negatively charged particles attract positive particles on the ground below. In the second step, the negative charges in the bottom of the cloud reach downward, out of the cloud, to the ground. These moving particles are collectively called the stepped leader. The first two steps set up an environment for an electric connection to occur.
The third and fourth steps of lightning formation involve a connection between two opposite charges. The positive particles begin to move upward through the air in the third step. These “streamers” are attracted upward by the opposing, negative charges. They also connect in this step, but the connection is invisible. The fourth step appears as the flash that we call lightning. This step is actually the return stroke after the connection. This process can repeat numerous times.
In Alabama, most people have witnessed some type of lightning: cloud to cloud, cloud to ground, or ground to cloud. This occurrence is not only fascinating but also a challenge for meteorologists. When conditions are favorable, the four steps can take place in less than a second. Understanding the dynamics of lightning can be helpful in understanding the consequences of it.
In my understanding, there are four steps necessary for lightning formation. In the first step, there is separation of charges in a cloud, for debated causes. The positive charges remain in the upper level of the cloud, repelling negative charges to the bottom. These negatively charged particles attract positive particles on the ground below. In the second step, the negative charges in the bottom of the cloud reach downward, out of the cloud, to the ground. These moving particles are collectively called the stepped leader. The first two steps set up an environment for an electric connection to occur.
The third and fourth steps of lightning formation involve a connection between two opposite charges. The positive particles begin to move upward through the air in the third step. These “streamers” are attracted upward by the opposing, negative charges. They also connect in this step, but the connection is invisible. The fourth step appears as the flash that we call lightning. This step is actually the return stroke after the connection. This process can repeat numerous times.
In Alabama, most people have witnessed some type of lightning: cloud to cloud, cloud to ground, or ground to cloud. This occurrence is not only fascinating but also a challenge for meteorologists. When conditions are favorable, the four steps can take place in less than a second. Understanding the dynamics of lightning can be helpful in understanding the consequences of it.