Resource Database


Resource Number: 15859
Title: Tree Damaging Forces Generated By Lightning
Description: Most trees grow to a height and in locations where lightning is not a significant risk. As trees grow taller, their modification or enhancement of the electrical ground effect becomes more important. Usually trees are struck by lightning within the top 5% of their height. But even a single tall tree in an isolated location can be struck in other locations along its height. Figure shows a single tall isolated tree is most likely (79%) to be struck at the top, 5% of the time struck along an area around three-quarters of its total height, and even with its modification of the ground electrical field, 16% of strikes attach at the ground around a tree. When trees are along the path of a cloud to ground current exchange, trees can be severely damaged.
Last Updated: August 16, 2022
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