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Lightning is a natural phenomenon formed by electrostatic discharges through the atmosphere between two electrically charged regions, either both in the atmosphere or one in the atmosphere and one on the ground, temporarily neutralizing these in a near-instantaneous release of an average of between 200 megajoules and 7 gigajoules of energy, depending on the type.
Lightning, as varied in properties measured across orders of magnitude as it is, can cause direct effects or have secondary impacts; lead to the complete destruction of a facility or process or simply cause the failure of a remote electronic sensor; it can result in outdoor activities being halted for safety concerns to employees as a ...
Lightning injuries are injuries caused by a lightning strike. [4] Initial symptoms may include heart asystole and respiratory arrest . [ 1 ] While the asystole may spontaneously resolve fairly rapidly, the respiratory arrest is typically more prolonged. [ 1 ]
"It's really the electric charge that is the main concern to cause injury or fatality from the lightning," Vagasky explained. Because of the charge, a person can go into cardiac arrest.
Lightning strikes, and the damage they cause, are on the rise, USA TODAY is reporting. This week -- June 23-29 -- is Lightning Awareness Week , and the National Weather Service has advice on how ...
Essentially, lightning occurs due to the buildup of electric charges in the atmosphere. In order to balance out the different charges, lightning is triggered between two clouds or between a cloud ...
Sheet lightning is cloud-to-cloud lightning that exhibits a diffuse brightening of the surface of a cloud, caused by the actual discharge path being hidden or too far away. The lightning itself cannot be seen by the spectator, so it appears as only a flash, or a sheet of light. The lightning may be too far away to discern individual flashes.
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. [1] [2] [3] Depending upon the distance from and nature of the lightning, it can range from a long, low rumble to a sudden, loud crack. The sudden increase in temperature and hence pressure caused by the lightning produces rapid expansion of the air in the path of a lightning bolt. [4]