Ologies with Alie Ward – Smologies #25: LIGHTNING with Chris Giesige

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” lightning scientist Chris Gisighi joins Alie to discuss the fascinating world of lightning. From the science behind lightning strikes to the risks of lightning-caused fires, this episode explores the electrical marvel that is lightning.

Main Takeaways

Fascinating Facts About Lightning

• Fulgare is the Latin word for lightning and is the science of those streaks in the sky.
• Lightning can connect within the cloud, between clouds, or between the clouds and the ground.
• Lightning strikes can reach up to 50-60,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than the surface of the sun.
• Lightning rods and tall trees are more likely to be struck by lightning because they provide a path of least resistance for the charges to meet.
• Hair standing up during a thunderstorm is a reaction to the static in the atmosphere produced by the lightning event.
• Volcanic lightning and wildfire smoke inducing lightning do happen due to the release of energy through heat and moisture.

The Science Behind Lightning

• Lightning is a development of cumulonimbus clouds and is the result of positive and negative particles connecting with each other.
• Clouds form due to updrafts of warm air rising and colliding, creating a static charge.
• Clouds prime themselves for a lightning event by separating negative charges towards the bottom of the cloud and positive charges towards the top.
• Step leaders and streamers are the leading charges that get ready to go.
• Dry lightning is lightning with minimal to no precipitation.

Lightning and Fire Risks

• Lightning caused fires are a high risk during late spring or summer months through fall.
• Dry lightning, or Verga clouds, are formed when precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground and can start fires.
• 10-20% of wildfires are caused by lightning strikes.
• Climate change may cause more lightning caused fires due to new weather patterns and droughts.

The Impact of Lightning

• You can estimate the distance of a storm by counting the seconds between a lightning strike and the sound of thunder (every five seconds is about a mile).
• Thunder is the sound of lightning, created by the shock wave of energy and pressure produced by the lightning strike. The perception of thunder as scary may vary from person to person.
• Fieldwork during storm events is extremely exciting for researchers.

Summary

Understanding Lightning and Its Phenomena

Fulgare, the Latin word for lightning, encompasses the scientific study of these mesmerizing streaks in the sky. Lightning is a result of positive and negative particles connecting with each other within cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds form through updrafts of warm air colliding and creating a static charge. Step leaders and streamers prepare for a lightning event, which can occur within the cloud, between clouds, or between clouds and the ground. Dry lightning, characterized by minimal precipitation, poses a fire risk when precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground. Lightning strikes can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun and are more likely to target lightning rods and tall trees due to their path of least resistance. Thunder, the sound of lightning, varies in perception from person to person. Researchers find fieldwork during storm events thrilling, offering valuable insights into the phenomenon.

The Risks and Impact of Lightning

Lightning-caused fires pose a significant risk during late spring, summer, and fall months. Dry lightning, also known as Verga clouds, can start fires when precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground. Approximately 10-20% of wildfires are caused by lightning strikes, and climate change may exacerbate this issue due to changing weather patterns and increased droughts. Estimating the distance of a storm can be done by counting the seconds between a lightning strike and the sound of thunder. Thunder itself is the result of the shock wave of energy and pressure generated by a lightning strike. For researchers, engaging in fieldwork during storm events offers an exhilarating opportunity to study lightning.

Conclusion

From the science behind lightning to its impact on fire risks, this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward” provides a captivating exploration of the electrifying world of lightning. Gain insights into the phenomena of lightning strikes, the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, and the potential dangers posed by lightning-caused fires. Discover the awe-inspiring power and beauty of lightning as researchers delve into the mysteries of this natural phenomenon.