Resource Number: 15856
Title: Formation of Lightning Ground Strike
Description: The formation of a negative polarity cloud to ground lightning strike containing two exchange strokes begins with a strong energy concentration and separation of charges, both in the cloud and on the ground. Next, a negative cloud leader forms and begins to push toward the positive charges near the ground. The negative cloud leader continues to cross the distance between cloud and ground, following a zig-zag path of lowest resistance. Side charge channels also are formed and push downward. The positive electric field near the ground begins to form short streamers upward toward the negatively charged cloud leader, side leader, and cloud negative electric field.
Last Updated: August 16, 2022
Contributors:
Domain(s)/Area(S):
- Arboriculture
- Natural Resources
Locations:
| Subject |
|---|
| lightning |