Learning about Lightning
Lightning is one of nature's number one killers. Lightning occurs year round across the United States, however, it occurs the most during the late spring and early summer months. Since many people do not know the danger of lightning, an average of 62 people are killed a year in the U.S. alone; hundre
ds are injured each year also.
Now for some statistics from 2007 on Lightning deaths: (Data by:
NWS)
Next to this is some pictures of lightning.
WHAT IS LIGHTNING?
Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity that occurs during thunderstorms. A lightning bolt can travel up to 60,000 m/s! Its temperature can reach up to 54,000°F.
HOW MANY LIGHTNING STORMS OCCUR EACH YEAR?
An average of 16 million lightning storms every year in the United States that are recorded by an Automatic Surface Observing System, which most are operated by the National Weather Service.
WHAT IS THE CHANCE OF GETTING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING?
Your chance of being struck by lightning is only 1 in 576,000. This is not a very high chance, however, lightning is deadly if you do get struck, and you should ALWAYS take the necessary precautions.
HOW DOES LIGHTNING FORM?
There is no proven answer, however most scientists believe that lightning is formed when droplets of ice and rain become electrically polarized as they fall through the electircal field of the atmosphere.
DOES ALL LIGHTNING STRIKE THE GROUND?
No. Many lightning strikes in stronger thunderstorms do touch the ground. However, many lightning bolts stay "within the sky" which means they are staying inside of the clouds; you can see them, but they do not touch the ground.
More Online Learning at ALAC:
Online Learning Home - - ALAC Home - - Thunderstorms - - Tornadoes - - Lightning
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