Lightning: A Natural Phenomenon

Understanding Lightning

Lightning is a large-scale natural spark discharge that occurs within the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the ground. It is a powerful electrical discharge that can travel up to several kilometers in length.

Causes of Lightning

Lightning occurs when there is a build-up of electrical charge in the atmosphere. This can happen during thunderstorms, when the positive and negative charges in the cloud become separated. When the charge difference becomes too great, the electrical energy is released in the form of lightning.

Types of Lightning

There are two main types of lightning: intra-cloud lightning and cloud-to-ground lightning. Intra-cloud lightning occurs between two areas of opposite charge within the same thundercloud. Cloud-to-ground lightning occurs between a cloud and the ground.

Estimating the Distance to Lightning

Because light travels much faster than sound, you can estimate the range to a lightning stroke by timing the interval between the flash and the thunder. If the interval is 1 second, the lightning stroke is about 300 meters away. If the interval is 2 seconds, the lightning stroke is about 600 meters away, and so on.