Tag #Lightning

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theguardian.com

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Sep 6, 16:18

Lightning Strikes Fuel Worsening Wildfire Crisis in US West

A new study reveals a dramatic increase in lightning-caused wildfires in the US West, driven by climate change, resulting in more deaths, air quality issues, and strained emergency resources.

Lightning Strikes Fuel Worsening Wildfire Crisis in US West

A new study reveals a dramatic increase in lightning-caused wildfires in the US West, driven by climate change, resulting in more deaths, air quality issues, and strained emergency resources.

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What are the contributing factors to this increase in lightning-caused wildfires?

The increase is primarily attributed to climate change, with more frequent thunderstorms and lightning across the western US, particularly in the last 40 years. This trend is coupled with increased drought conditions in some areas and a lack of firefighting resources due to budget cuts and staffing shortages.

dw.com

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May 29, 01:13

First Observation of Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flash Before Lightning Strike

Japanese researchers used a multi-sensor system to capture a terrestrial gamma-ray flash (TGF) 31 microseconds before two electrical currents collided to form lightning in Kanazawa, solving a three-decade-old mystery about how thunderstorms generate gamma rays.

First Observation of Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flash Before Lightning Strike

Japanese researchers used a multi-sensor system to capture a terrestrial gamma-ray flash (TGF) 31 microseconds before two electrical currents collided to form lightning in Kanazawa, solving a three-decade-old mystery about how thunderstorms generate gamma rays.

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What specific mechanisms within the thunderstorm generated the gamma-ray flash, and how does this discovery refine our understanding of natural particle acceleration processes?

The team used a multi-sensor system in Kanazawa to monitor television transmission towers, likely targets for electrical discharges. They observed a lightning bolt splitting into two paths, one descending from a storm cloud and another ascending from a tower. The gamma-ray flash occurred before the currents collided, confirming that thunderstorms act as natural particle accelerators.

zeit.de

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Dec 27, 13:09

Record-Breaking Lightning Strike Hits Germany

Germany recorded its most powerful lightning strike of 452 kiloamperes (kA) on September 19th in North Hesse, exceeding a household outlet's current by 28,000 times; while Germany saw over 1.5 million lightning strikes in 2024, the highest since 2018, Bayern led with approximately 357,000 strikes.

Record-Breaking Lightning Strike Hits Germany

Germany recorded its most powerful lightning strike of 452 kiloamperes (kA) on September 19th in North Hesse, exceeding a household outlet's current by 28,000 times; while Germany saw over 1.5 million lightning strikes in 2024, the highest since 2018, Bayern led with approximately 357,000 strikes.

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How does the number of lightning strikes in Germany in 2024 compare to previous years, and which regions were most affected?

Over 85,000 lightning strikes exceeding 5 kA hit Hesse in 2024, while Germany experienced over 1.5 million—the highest since 2018. Bayern led with approximately 357,000 strikes, significantly more than other states like Lower Saxony (223,000) and Baden-Württemberg (163,000).

edition.cnn.com

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Jul 31, 22:13

Record-Breaking 515-Mile Lightning Bolt Verified

A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society verified a record-breaking 515-mile-long lightning bolt that traveled from eastern Texas to Kansas City, Missouri, in October 2017, highlighting the potential for long-distance lightning strikes and the need for improved public...

Record-Breaking 515-Mile Lightning Bolt Verified

A study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society verified a record-breaking 515-mile-long lightning bolt that traveled from eastern Texas to Kansas City, Missouri, in October 2017, highlighting the potential for long-distance lightning strikes and the need for improved public...

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How do the formation conditions and characteristics of megaflashes differ from typical lightning strikes, and what atmospheric factors contribute to their extreme length?

Megaflashes, exceeding 60 miles in length, form in the weaker outer regions of long-lived, large thunderstorms, often after the storm's main activity has passed. The 2017 megaflash exploited flat, conductive clouds spanning hundreds of miles, showcasing how extensive storm systems can facilitate exceptionally long horizontal discharges. Fewer than 1% of thunderstorms produce these events.

sueddeutsche.de

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Apr 6, 22:10

Panama Tree's Lightning Resistance Provides Ecological Advantage

A study in Panama found that the large "Dipteryx oleifera" tree survives frequent lightning strikes, unlike surrounding trees, gaining competitive advantages through increased light, nutrients, and reduced vine competition, potentially shaping rainforest ecosystems.

Panama Tree's Lightning Resistance Provides Ecological Advantage

A study in Panama found that the large "Dipteryx oleifera" tree survives frequent lightning strikes, unlike surrounding trees, gaining competitive advantages through increased light, nutrients, and reduced vine competition, potentially shaping rainforest ecosystems.

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What specific mechanisms might allow "Dipteryx oleifera" to withstand lightning strikes, and what evolutionary benefits do these mechanisms confer?

The study, using drones and electrical field measurements over several years, revealed that the "Dipteryx oleifera" tree's large size and height, making it a lightning rod, is paradoxically advantageous. The tree's survival strategy involves withstanding lightning strikes to eliminate competition and improve resource access by removing surrounding trees and vines.

Showing 1 to 5 of 5 results