Spain experienced a late spring a few weeks ago. really stormy and passed through water. Apart from the torrential rains, what most caught the attention of most of the population was the large number of rays that occurred and is that according to official data they were registered up to 22.000 rays. This has caused many people to want to know more about this impressive and dangerous Meteorological phenomenonFor more information, you can visit our article on thunderstorms in Malaga.
When the rays occur
Rays are nothing more than discharges that are produced from huge amounts of energy that accumulate in clouds. They usually occur when temperatures are high and there is a lot of humidity in the air. They are more frequent in summer because hot air is charged by coming into contact with cold air. When the rain falls, the clouds discharge such energy in the form of rays and are responsible for several phenomena, as you can read in our post about curiosities about storms.
How much energy can lightning have
Lightning contains so much energy that it can reach to be mortal. It is calculated that each ray measures about 5 kilometers in length by only 1 centimeter in width, the energy released by a ray can be greater than 5 billion joules of energy with a current of up to 200.000 amps and 100 million volts. This makes it an extremely dangerous phenomenon, especially in places like where more lightning strikes.
What is the cause of the zig zag movement
This movement so characteristic of the rays is due to the fact that the great charge of the electric fields is ionized causing let them separate the positive ions from the negative ones. This ionization is not uniform and begins to move as if it were a snake and producing the well-known zig zagYou can learn more about this phenomenon in our article on types of rays.
I hope I've cleared up some of your doubts about lightning and thunder. As a final point, I'd like to tell you that the South African city of Johannesburg it's where the most lightning deaths occur each year.
What are rays?
The rays are atmospheric electrical discharges that occur between clouds, from the air to the Earth's surface, or between clouds. Clouds in our atmosphere are electrically charged and can be positively or negatively charged. Air acts as an insulator for these charges, but when the opposite charges accumulate in the clouds enough, this insulating capacity is broken, and a rapid discharge of electricity known as lightning occurs. For more information on this process, you can consult the article on how rays are formed.
Is lightning the same as lightning?
Both terms are often used to describe the same phenomenon, however, to be more precise, the flash of lightning refers specifically to the light that accompanies lightning. It's important to understand this distinction, especially when discussing the visual effects it causes. To learn more about the effects of lightning, you can read our article on gamma rays.
How are lightning bolts formed?
The formation of lightning is a complicated process involving several stages. The electrification of clouds occurs through friction between ice particles, water droplets, and hail, creating charges that result in extremely high electrical potential differences, which can reach up to 1000 million voltsTo better understand this process, we recommend you visit the article on ball lightning.
The mechanism of electrification is not fully understood, but there are two main theories that describe how these charges are produced: the convective and the colliderIn the convective model, air currents within the cloud allow the accumulation of positive charges at the top and negative charges at the base. In the collision model, charge transfer is proposed to occur when particles with different intrinsic properties collide with each other.
Once the charges have accumulated, an intense electric field is generated. When this field exceeds the dielectric strength of air, a conductive plasma channel is formed, allowing the electrical discharge we experience as lightning. For more details on the characteristics of this phenomenon, you can consult the post on storms and lightning.
Lightning Types
Lightning can be classified into different types according to their trajectory and origin:
- Cloud-to-ground lightning: They originate in a storm cloud and reach the Earth's surface, which is the most well-known and dangerous type.
- Cloud-to-cloud lightning: These rays occur between two different clouds and are usually more difficult to observe.
- Intracloud lightning: They occur within the same cloud, between areas with different charges.
- Air-to-cloud lightning: They occur when the electrical discharge goes from the air to a cloud.
- Upward rays: They occur when a positive charge rises from the ground to the cloud.
Lightning is responsible for a large number of accidents each year. In the United States, it is estimated that around 400 people are reached by lightning every year, and many others suffer damage to property and electrical equipment. Lightning can cause fires, short circuits, and in extreme cases, death. Therefore, it is crucial to educate yourself about the fire hazards related to these phenomena.
Lightning damage to homes includes fires, damage to appliances, and data loss on electronic devices. For this reason, lightning protection It is essential, and it is recommended to install lightning rods and surge protection systems on properties. If you need more specific information on the topic, check out the article on the impact of climate change on lightning.
Why does thunder sound?
El Thunder It is the result of the rapid heating and expansion of the air around a lightning strike. The lightning discharge heats the air to very high temperatures, causing a pressure wave audible as thunder. The speed of light is much greater than the speed of sound, so we see lightning before we hear thunder.
Where do more lightning strike?
Lightning frequency varies around the world, being more common in regions with high humidity and warm temperatures. One area particularly known for its high lightning activity is the Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, where more than 297 days a year with lightning activity, known as the Catatumbo lightning phenomenon. This phenomenon is a clear example of how the cumulonimbus can generate so much lightning activity.
Another famous place is the Congo Basin, where densities of up to 158 downloads per km² per yearThere are many myths and curiosities about lightning. For example, it is said that lightning never strikes the same place twice, which is not true, as some places are struck repeatedly. Furthermore, some believe that bells can disperse lightning, a belief that existed until the late 17th century.
Safety tips during thunderstorms
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, it is important to follow certain recommendations:
- Seek shelter in a closed building and avoid being outdoors.
- Do not take shelter under trees or metal structures that may attract lightning.
- Avoid using electronic devices connected to the electrical grid.
- Unplug electrical appliances to protect them from possible shocks.
It is essential to follow the authorities' recommendations regarding safety during thunderstorms and know what to do in the event of a lightning strike. For more information on safety, you can consult the article on the cold on clear nights and how it might relate to thunderstorms.
The fascination with lightning continues, and although we do not fully understand it, our knowledge about it continues to grow. Every storm is a reminder of the strength and power of nature, and it is our responsibility to be prepared and protected.
