The storms are extraordinary meteorological phenomena that provoke admiration and fear in equal measure. With their spectacular luminosity illuminating the night sky, and the powerful sound of thunder, lightning and lightning, remind us of the immense power of nature. However, despite their beauty, these storms can be very dangerous. Therefore, it is always advisable to observe them from a safe place. However, Do you really know the difference between lightning and lightning? Y, What exactly is thunder? In this article, we'll explore the fundamental differences between these phenomena so you can clearly differentiate between them.
Thunderbolt
El rayo It is a powerful electrical discharge that can reach lengths of approximately 1,500 meters, although in some cases lightning strikes have been recorded that reach even more extraordinary lengths, such as the one observed in Texas on October 31, 2001, which measured 190 kmThe speed at which these electrical discharges can be directed towards the ground is impressive: more than 200,000 km/h!
Lightning is generated in vertically developing clouds, known as cumulonimbus clouds. When these clouds reach a considerable height, reaching the troposphere or even the stratosphere, a accumulation of electrical charges. Positive charges in the cloud attract negative charges, generating the powerful electrical discharge we call lightning. This process is a dramatic manifestation of atmospheric physics and highlights the complexity of meteorological phenomena. To learn more about clouds that produce lightning and their features, you can consult our dedicated section. In addition, you can find out more about the atmospheric phenomena that occur during storms.
Flash of lightning
El flash of lightning It is the luminous phenomenon observed during a thunderstorm. Unlike lightning, lightning never touches the ground. Its illumination is the result of the electrical discharge that occurs inside the cloud, producing a glow that can illuminate the night sky for a fraction of a second.
Lightning occurs when air is ionizes due to the energy released during the electrical discharge, creating a path for the flow of electrons. This is a fascinating visual spectacle often associated with the intensity of thunderstorms. While lightning refers to the discharge itself, lightning is the visual manifestation of that discharge, and its brilliance is the result of the ionization of the air as it passes through. If you're curious about this phenomenon, check out the section that explains what is lightning. Furthermore, it is interesting to consider how these phenomena relate to other climatic events, such as atmospheric rivers.
Thunder
El Thunder, on the other hand, is the sound we hear during a thunderstorm. This sound is produced when lightning heats the surrounding air to temperatures above 28,000°CWarm air expands rapidly and mixes with cold air, causing a dramatic drop in temperature and subsequent contraction of the air, generating shock waves that result in the characteristic rumble of thunder.
The speed at which sound travels is much slower than that of light, which explains why you see lightning before you hear thunder. Generally, the time between seeing a flash of lightning and hearing thunder can be used as an indication of the observer's distance from the storm. If you count the seconds between the flash and the sound, you can estimate how far away the storm is; every five seconds corresponds to approximately one mile of distance. For more information on this topic, you could read our articles on thunderstorm phenomena and its relationship to thunder. It is also worth exploring how these storms can be affected by other phenomena, such as names of tornadoes and hurricanes.
Types of Rays
Lightning is not a homogeneous phenomenon. There are several types of lightning, which are classified according to their trajectory:
- Cloud-to-ground lightning: They are those that travel from a cloud to the Earth's surface.
- Cloud-to-cloud lightning: They occur between two different clouds.
- Intra-cloud lightning: They occur within the same cloud, between regions with different electrical charges.
- Cloud-to-air lightning: They are discharges that extend into the stratosphere.
Thunderstorms are more common than you might think, with approximately 40,000 storms Occurring every day around the world, these storms not only generate lightning, thunder, and flashes of lightning, but can also be accompanied by intense rainfall and gusty winds.
The conditions necessary for a thunderstorm to form include the rise of warm, humid air, as well as the presence of atmospheric instability. This rising air cools as it rises, causing water vapor to condense and, consequently, the formation of storm clouds. For more information on the causes and conditions that generate these events, you can review our article on convective rainsIt is also interesting to investigate how climatic conditions affect these phenomena, such as what happens in the windiest place in the world.
Lightning Strike
Lightning strikes can be deadly. Worldwide, it is estimated that thousands of people die each year from electrical shocks. Injuries can range from minor burns to severe nervous system damage. Therefore, it is vital to understand the importance of precautions during thunderstorms and know how to stay safe.
For those outdoors during a thunderstorm, it is recommended to seek shelter in a building or enclosed vehicle, as metal roofs offer some protection from lightning. It is equally important to avoid sheltering under trees or tall structures that can attract lightning. If you want to know more about places to avoid during a thunderstorm, check out our guide on dangerous places during storms.
With this knowledge of the differences between lightning, thunder, and lightning, you'll be able to better appreciate the natural spectacle that storms offer, while keeping safety a priority. Storms remain one of nature's most captivating phenomena, reminding us of the enormous power of the natural world and the importance of respecting it.
The degree Celsius is a measure of speed? Since when?
Hi Lus.
The degree Celsius is a measure of temperature.
A greeting.